Saint Kodiak’s “Like It Is” is inexplicably a bit like a Remote Luxury-period song by The Church and Beat Happening. In that the musical palette is that melodically expansive and contemplative sound The Church has projected across its entire career but especially so that early on. But it’s also a little rough around the edges with a fairly idiosyncratic vocal style and some unusual song dynamics that don’t scream out that it’s a little weird. Even though it sounds like it could be an indie power pop ballad there’s a certain left field quality to the track that keeps it interesting not to mention the gently scintillating lead guitar. A lot of bands tapping into the 80s for inspiration end up trying to sound like something more obvious and frequently referenced and Saint Kodiak here sounds more like it was inspired more by the artists mentioned above as well as the likes of Soft Boys and The The. That such a charming, beautiful song is about getting shaken into being awake to the reality of your life is a bonus in realm of music that’s often about retreating from such.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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