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Cambridge Audio’s New Music Picks – July 2018

Warm weather and great music go hand in hand, so it's a good thing we've had both by the bucketload throughout July! Here are just some of the best tunes we've been listening to this month.

 

Tracks

Minus the Bear - "Fair Enough"

After two decades in the game, Seattle-based quintet Minus the Bear are calling it a day. They are however hitting the road in the US one last time in support of their final EP Fair Enough and have released the title track to prepare us for the autumn release. Originally penned for last year's divisive album Voids, "Fair Enough" has been rearranged and highlights a full-circle moment for the band, featuring sounds from their earliest works yet retaining the musicianship and maturity they've obtained throughout their career. It perfectly compliments a cooling evening in the summer with its chilled atmospheric sounds, so it's ideal for rounding out any playlist into the night.

Future - "Cuddle My Wrist"

"Cuddle My Wrist" reeks of Future's exorbitant wealth and addicting flavor. The track is featured on his latest collaboration with collaborator, Zaytovn, who has the power to access the rapper's most emotional lyricism with his poignant piano-based production, similar to Metro Boomin's key work. "Cuddle My Wrist" is anything but emotional- it's just a smooth banger. While Zaytovn sparks an atmosphere curated by lit candles and a booming subwoofer, Future stimulates your adrenaline as he flexes his jewelry and luxury-branded swag. 

Cigarettes After Sex- "Sesame Syrup"

Sometimes, our emotions are heavy, making us feel like we're sinking into our mattresses from the weight of our thoughts. Cigarettes After Sex's brand of "ambient pop" transforms that sensation into serene free fall. Similar to the 90's slowcore rock movement, all of their tracks unfold with the same patient pace and sparring instrumental foundation, but the ambiance never fails to soothe your senses. "Sesame Syrup", the b-side of their recent single, "Crush", begins with singer Greg Gonzalez laying naked on the floor with his lover and blossoms with secrets and sentimental thoughts of their romantic connection. It's funny how you can't tell the difference between Gonzalez's happiness and sadness, but it's easy to imagine a room filled with red roses as he whispers into the microphone. 

Albums

Nathan Salsburg- Third

Nathan Salsburg's guitar has the voice of a wise storyteller who narrates stories of exploring nature while rocking in a cozy chair. Considering that, it makes sense that Salsburg is surrounded by members on the wild on his new studio album, Third.  While his two previous albums were mainly guitar-based with some vocals mixed-in, Third is the first to be completely instrumental, which makes for a more consistent and tranquilizing reimagination of his journeys. As we listen, we picture the guitar player hiking down a forest path, gazing as trees sway in the wind, observing creatures in their habitats, and reaching an open view just in time for the sun to dye the sky orange as it sets.

Meg Myers- Take Me to the Disco

Meg Myers portrays her truest musical form on her haunting new album, Take Me to the Disco, but she triumphed through a manipulative journey to get there. The difference in sound is obvious when you listen to her debut album, Sorry, and Disco back-to-back- she now dismisses the interest to appease the mainstream and, instead, spills her guts over downtempo and ethereal instrumentals. This is most obvious on its lead single, "Numb", which is completely void of the synth-led melodies, chanting vocals, and uplifting energy featured on Sorry. Here, she opens up about her relationship with her previous label, Atlantic Records, and being stripped of her artistic worth from their executives' control. As the album continues, she unfurls her most sensitive emotions that didn't fit their business plan. Take Me to the Disco is a sad but rightful celebration for an empathetic songwriter. 

Table Sugar- Collected Acknowledgments

In an interview with OlyArts, Table Sugar admitted, "We don’t really know music... It comes on accident because we’re trying lots of stuff, and we don’t know what’s right and what’s wrong." That unpredictability is immediately evident in the jangly chords, erratic organization, and dopamine-charged energy of their sophomore album, Collected Acknowledgements. Its eleven-minute runtime feels like seven brain freezes in a row, a caffeine rush after throwing back an espresso shot, or how your dog reacts when you come home from work every day. In all those instances, the conscience is scrambled, reaches for instant gratification, and completes actions in a jumbled fashion. Luckily for Table Sugar, those chaotic ideas have become their signature style, and it's invigorating to hear on Collected Acknowledgments. 

That's our list, so now, we want to know what you've been listening to this month. Make sure you let us know in the comment section.