Atmosphere Returns With Moody New Cut "Trying To Fly" ft. Eric Mayson

Minneapolis Rhymesayers duo Atmosphere have been rather quiet-like as of late, but that's all changed thanks to their new single "Trying to Fly." The track features keyboard and vocal work from their fellow Minnesotan Eric Mayson, a multi-instrumentalist whose "Detail" EP was one of the finest indie R&B releases of late 2015. Perhaps inspired by Mayson, Slug opts for a borderline-crooner approach on the new single, blending melodic runs and a slower flow over Ant's smooth production.

This is almost some downright downtempo, even. Moody, phaser-soaked keyboards and a dry live drum beat gently fade in as the track unfurls, recalling some of the mid-90s work of Portishead, Massive Attack, and Tricky. (Be sure not to miss that dead-on Phil Collins drum fill halfway through). "And I don't even know why I can't hold on to a word that you say," Slug emotes. "Trying to Fly" is a downtrodden look at a friend, lover, or even ex-lover who's no longer there the way they oghtta be. Mayson delivers the perfect falsetto counterpoint to Slug's bars, and the entire thing ends up sounding like a late winter night in the Twin Cities--slightly dark and still plenty cold.

Listen to Atmosphere's new single below and be on the lookout for new musings from the Minneapolis duo coming soon.