June McDoom - The City - With Strings

A live reminder of how good this song is

Got to see June McDoom play here in LA last week and my god have I been lost in this song ever since.

It’s been a little over a year since McDoom got the ol MMM feature, which is to say, it was a long overdue live performance to catch. Last November, she released the With Strings EP - Four tracks re-recorded with a full string arrangement. It’s so special and done incredibly well.

This version of The City, which is the version she played live, is a somehow even more mesmerizing take on the tune. The original carries this heaviness, the drums and bass pushing such a groove. With Strings, opens things entirely, the song floating up and out forever. For me, the space it creates only shines a stronger light on her writing.

Old friends call me once a month now

they all live so far away

and I understand that life has changed us

as we struggle for words to say

The strings swelling, adding so much emotion to an already emotional moment. I can barely handle this kinda thing, and the strings just fuck me up. As we stretch towards the four min mark, I love those 80’s-esque synths sparkling all around the track. The production is just unbelievable tender and well done. McDoom riffs a bit before soaring for a new gorgeous melody, stepping out arm and arm with a bouncing sitar.

A ridiculous performance of ridiculous writing over a lush and, well, ridiculous band.