SoundSpike Song of the Day: "Purple" by California Wives

SoundSpike's Song of the Day for Thursday (12/16) is "Purple" from Chicago New Wavers California Wives, off their self-released sophomore EP, "Affair," this year's follow up to 2009's "No. 8."

Pals since childhood, the bandmates' songs are co-written by Jayson Kramer (vocals, keys, guitar) and Dan Zima (vocals, bass, guitar), with guitar and keyboard arrangements by Hans Michael, and drumming from Joe O'Connor. Although "Affair" was entirely self-produced, the band brought in Brett Mohr to oversee production at Gravity Studios, and Carl Saft for mixing mastery at Chicago's Engine Music Studios (Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Iron and Wine).

California Wives is not the beach pop that their name implies. Self-proclaimed fans of "computer-generated music," the band's sound is a synthier take on New Order via the Police, with their goal being to "mix and match their musical influences" to create a fresh take on New Wave, according to a press release.

Next up for California Wives are music videos for "Blood Red Youth" and "Photolights," both off "Affair," as well as plans to record two new singles set to drop in early spring of 2011. All five songs off the new EP are currently being streamed at the crew's Bandcamp page, and are available as a package digital download for $5. For more information on California Wives, visit the band's website or on Facebook page.