In 2011, my bandmate convinced me that we had to play with a raucous new band of Seattle University students who were apparently putting on mind-blistering, sweaty, life-affirming, drum infused house shows in Capitol Hill. Unfortunately that show didn’t pan out, which I’m still bummed about. However, I was introduced to Chinook Jargon, which became Kithkin.

Since that time, it’s been an amazing journey watching the dedication and evolution of Kelton, Alex, Bob and Ian as a musical entity. Said basement shows turned into legitimate gigs at some of Seattle’s finest venues. They were soon opening for Los Campesinos at Seattle’s Neptune theater, being featured on KEXP and gaining the attention of local press, which was crazy to see but hardly surprisingly. I think anyone who’s seen there live show–then or now–realized how much they poured into the band.

Those shows piled up, people outside of Seattle took notice, word kept spreading, they kept playing and here we are: Kithkin’s been named Seattle’s best new band, they play Sasquatch this weekend and release their long-awaited debut LP tomorrow. Kithkin’s Rituals, Trances & Ecstasies For Humans In Face Of The Collapse is both an excellent introduction to newcomers and a celebration of Kithkin’s odyssey for those who’ve been along for the ride.

A sincere and massive congratulations to Ian, Bob, Alex and Kelton. This is a hell of accomplishment and you’ve made many Cascadian folks incredibly proud. A number of us here at AOT are very glad we could join along to road to this point. You can catch Kithkin at Sasquatch on Friday at 2pm on the Narwhal stage. They follow-up with a show at Seattle’s Crocodile on Saturday.