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EXCLUSIVE SONG: New Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band

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Seattle indie rockers Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band had a busy 2009: after emerging with aseries of hilarious online videos, the quartet rocked SXSW, was named a hot new band by SPIN, and even performed atop their namesake volcano in Washington State.

On August 3, they’ll return with Where the Messengers Meet, their second album, and SPIN.com has an exclusive download of one of its best tracks, “Leaving Trails,” below!

With MSHVB, it’s a family affair: 15-year-old drummer Marshall Verdoes is the adopted brother of frontman Benjamin Verdoes, who is married to keyboardist Traci Eggleston. The outfit find pop-sensible cohesion in the familial chaos: “Leaving Trails” showcases Benjamin Verdoes’ distorted yet atmospheric vocals and commanding yet subtle guitar work, which switches from ominous to uplifting. Fleshed out by Jared Price (bass), the song’s sound is simultaneously chaotic and soothing, punctuated by Marshall Verdoes’ dynamic rhythms.

Where the Messengers Meet, the follow up to MSHVB’s SPIN-approved self-titled debut album, was recorded over eight months in an old loft during Seattle’s rainy season. The band will hit the road on a short tour of California and Washington this week. See the dates below.

Download “Leaving Trails,” then tell us what you think in the comment section below.

LISTEN: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, “Leaving Trails”(DOWNLOAD MP3)

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band’s tour dates:
5/25, Santa Cruz, CA (The Crepe Place)
5/27, San Diego, CA (Casbah)
5/28, Los Angeles, CA (The Echo)
5/29 San Francisco, CA (Hemlock Tavern)
6/05 Corvalis, OR (Flat Tail Music Festival)
6/06 Spokane, WA (Elk Fest)
7/08 Seattle, WA (Seattle City Hall)