Big Gigantic enlist Ashe for summertime funk on 'Friends'

Big Gigantic is the latest act to ride on the last waves of summer with a compelling release, and they’re here to prove they’re still king of the game. After a period of silence, the Boulder duo returned with their first single in three years, “You’re the One” with Nevve in June. Now, Big G has followed up with another anthem—”Friends” with Ashe—delivering their beloved signature combination of breezy vocals, brass, and feel-good messages. According to Ashe, the group performed “Friends” at Coachella 2017, only to see its release to fruition a couple years later.

Beginning mellow with layers of plucky strings and soft shakers that build, Ashe sings about a breakup that won’t let go. The melancholy tone quickly shifts when horns crescendo into an uplifting blare and momentous beats. Big G lets the horn take the lead on a symphonic interlude that transforms the lyrical connotations into a carefree jazzy ensemble. Embracing the easy-living mindset of summer, “Friends” waxes summer poetic on its double meaning for both listeners and Big Gigantic.

“Through life’s ups, downs, makeups, breakups, and everything in-between, you always count on your friends,” the duo said in a tweet about the tune.