Big Gigantic – Brighter Future Hands down this is one of my favorite releases of the summer. You may not have realized it, but Big Gigantic has changed the game with Brighter Future proving that EDM should be centered around collaboration and pushing the boundaries when musicianship is mixed with fine-tuned production. Big G is a power duo that has left their mark on SCamp a total of six times and embracing live collaborations with gusto including an unforgettable Big Grizmatik throwdown this past summer on the Starshine Stage. Their new album is a reflections of this group’s eclectic style and features other SCamp artists like Jennifer Hartswick, GRiZ, and Cherub. Brighter Future mixes a variety of styles, genres, and beats for an undeniable force to be reckoned with. The hip hop tracks are fresh and the soul is laid thick enough to get your hips swinging on almost every track. Check out “Got The Love” and “Highly Possible” for a feel of what I’m talking about.
STS9 – The Universe Inside
Big changes have taken place for STS9 over the last few years, but up until now this electronic jam machine hadn’t released a studio album. A lineup change in the form of bassist Alana Rocklin in 2014 and a total about-face from their self-destructive path has re-energized this group like never before. Needless to say, The Universe Inside was long overdue. The new album is a nod to STS9’s influences and for the first time ever features a constant presence of soulful vocals provided by singer Maureen Murphy. The heavy use of lyrics is striking as this group has typically gravitated towards an instrumental sound in the past. The result is a danceable, fun-loving collection of songs you can’t help but sing along to. Tracks like “Out of This World” and “World Go Round,” as well as the title track “The Universe Inside,” embrace an outer-space aesthetic steeped in disco while highlighting a vibe of love, unity, and positivity.
Lotus – Eat The Light
This Philly-based quintet has been at it for over 15 years and, while it may seem like that’s enough time to nail down one distinct style, Lotus has once again proven they are anything but predictable. Eat The Light showcases this group’s diverse creativity in a grown-up way. This band’s exploratory evolution is unlike any sound out there and their newest album features groovy, driving basslines mixed with uplifting guitar licks that give it a summery road trip vibe. Eat The Light also features vocals on every track resulting in a distinct Jamiroquai meets Talking Heads essence. Songs like “Move Too Fast” and “Eat The Light” easily get stuck in your head after just one listen.
Van Ghost – The Ghost Unit
Van Ghost is a “super group” within the jam scene that not enough people know about. Part of that reason is that this roster of musicians contains almost too much talent for one band. Led by singer/songwriter Michael Harrison Berg, Van Ghost also consists of Jennifer Hartswick, Natalie Cressman, Nick Cassarino, Grant Tye, Chris Gelubda, Chris Chew, John Staten, and Rob Marscher. The new album truly feels like a collaborative effort of all-star musicians with enormous talent. While you may not be able to catch this act in every city, they are one of Summer Camp’s best kept secrets playing the fest a total of seven times over the years. Tracks like “Follow Me” capture the group’s synergy and stroke your emotions like great music tends to do.
De La Soul – and the Anonymous Nobody
2011 Summer Camp hip hop act De La Soul has just proven that there is still room for virgin tight rhymes and songs that are truer than true in their first studio release since 2004. The new album feels ground-breaking yet throwback all at the same time. With special guests like Little Dragon, 2 Chains, and Snoop Dogg dropping verses and unforgettable hooks, De La Soul does more than chime in on today’s current musical climate: they redefine it. The album went number 1 on Billboard’s rap charts instantly and grabbed the attention of many hip hop fans like myself. It’s more than worth a spin or two. 
The Avett Brothers – True Sadness
The Avett Brothers’ ninth studio album highlights the state of this all-American family band as they once again try to exploit the human condition in their unique, poetic way. The album’s acoustic vibe and timeless folk lyrics are captured in uplifting, sassy tracks like “Ain’t No Man” and “Satan Pulls the Strings” which are contrasted by The Avett’s melancholy side with “I Wish I Was” and “Divorce Separation Blues.” Somehow it all blends into one cohesive masterpiece of human emotion. The Avett Brothers’ stripped down sound feels as honed in as ever on True Sadness as the three brothers come together along with the rest of their impeccable band to prove why this all-American group is as singular as the night is dark.
