Song of the Day: Cymbals Eat Guitars - Wish

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, selected by Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, comes from New York rock act Cymbals Eat Guitars. "Wish" is the lead single from their new record, Pretty Years, out now on Sinderlyn.

Cymbals Eat Guitars - Wish (MP3)

Staten Island's Cymbals Eat Guitars have long looked to the fringes to find inspiration for approachable, noisy rock magic. Over four LPs, they've only grown smarter with their workings, slipping in subtle influences from all over the map into their slick, experimental rock n roll. "Wish" is exactly one such exemplary track from the band, fittingly introducing us to the sonic territory they explore on their new LP. Pretty Years is like an alternate universe take on Mac DeMarco's Salad Days, where the days to learn and grow are misunderstood in the rearview mirror when you try and find the place and time you faced the least resistance. We all do it - our problem is, we can't enunciate it the way Joe D'Agostino does. "You're just so handsome that I have to laugh when you say the same blood runs through us", he pines, "Me, though, I maintain that I'm different". "Wish" is a song that far too many of us relate with far too often. This theme of multiple outcomes and happily occupying the crappy ones is a common one on Pretty Years, repeated again on the "Subterranean Homesick Blues" nod "4th of July, Philadelphia (Sandy)" (watch video below). We find ourselves in these bizarre places in life where we find solace in the regret of knowing exactly where it was you wished you could have turned things around. But of course, all of that is impossible, and admitting it to yourself takes a huge load off. It's that type of laissez faire attitude that guides "Wish" over peaks and through valleys, riding massive hooks to keep the listener on board with the discontent. And just when you think there will be resolve, there's that massive, braying saxophone that splits the air like a knife. In that moment, the tension breaks, and you get to laugh at yourself again, making the best of another day, deciding your Pretty Years end when you want them to.

Grab "Wish" above, and definitely check out the rest of Cymbals Eat Guitars' great new record Pretty Years, out now on Sinderlyn. Also, make sure to catch the band when they come through town on October 5 at Barboza! Field Mouse and Wildhoney open - great bill! Look for more info and music from Cymbals Eat Guitars on their website and Facebook page. For now, check out the aforementioned video for "4th of July, Philadelphia (SANDY)" below.