Atwood Journal’s Weekly Roundup: April 12, 2024

Each Friday, Atwood Journal’s workers share what they’ve been listening to that week – a tune, an album, an artist – no matter’s been having an influence on them, within the second.

This week’s weekly roundup options music by Chappell Roan, My Giddy Aunt, Pretend Dad, LYRA, St. Lucia, complete tommy, Cruza, bby, Lei Hope, Szou, pher,, The Most secure Place, Gradual Pleasure, Star2, Mia Wray, Eric Sprint, & Beren Olivia!

•• •• •• ••

 observe WEEKLY ROUNDUP on Spotify

:: “Good Luck, Babe” – Chappell Roan ::

Madeleine Eggen, Washington, D.C.

Chappell Roan is bringing again queer pop not like ever earlier than. Queer music has change into more and more in style in latest many years, however Roan brings a complete new twist to the style of pop itself. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, has been climbing the charts lately regardless of it having been launched nearly seven months in the past. The album was heralded as a enjoyable but biting take a look at queer sexuality and discovery. Anticipation was excessive for her new single, “Good Luck, Babe,” and she or he didn’t disappoint.

 The monitor nearly feels just like the album’s epilogue, because the scorned lover cries, “good luck, babe.” Roan, a lesbian artist who primarily writes about her experiences with ladies (or her disappointment with males), is grappling with a really actual and devastating heartbreak by which the article of her affection, a lady, has chosen a person. Angrily, Roan wails “you might kiss 100 boys in bars” however reminds us “you’d need to cease the world simply to cease the sensation.” This single is an ideal instance of what Roan does greatest — music you possibly can dance to that additionally takes a tough take a look at queer struggles. She doesn’t sugar coat the harsher components of queer love, however she doesn’t lean into the melancholy both. Her songs are ballads, meant to be shouted “by means of the automotive sunroof” or blasted on the dance ground. Chappell Roan has proven us that, regardless of crafting a debut with no skips, there may be much more to return, so be sure you control this rising star.

:: “Bugs” – My Giddy Aunt ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

AXXXXXXXX

:: “Crybaby” – Pretend Dad ::

Chloe Robinson, California

With in style apps like TikTok and Instagram, there are a variety of individuals capturing to stardom. These influencers make fame look so attractive and many people crave that very same way of life. Pretend Dad’s “Crybaby” particulars an intense obsession with acquiring superstar standing whereas others deal with the need as a joke. With sassy vocals sliding atop addictive bass and driving drums, we really feel that deep plea for love and a spotlight. Traces embody, “I prepare dinner actual spicy, I prepare dinner actually imply.” That lyric matches seamlessly as there’s a spiciness oozing from the piece.

Pretend Dad is a daring indie rock duo made up of couple Andrea de Varona and Josh Ford. The 2 met at a university celebration within the East Village and immediately felt linked. Now they craft quirky, vibrant releases which are pure an infection. Their earlier tune “So Dramatic” really possesses an exhilarating, theatrical high quality. This new monitor additionally emits that dramatized air. Everyone knows we’re right here for just a little drama.

:: LYRA – LYRA ::

Joe Beer, Surrey, UK

Irish pop sensation LYRA has simply dropped her debut EP and it’s greater than we may ever have imagined. The self-titled launch consists of 14 bangers, sucking you into her world and holding you hostage for everything of the album. Completely encapsulating who the Cork-born artist is right this moment, the album demonstrates her huge expertise and spectacular musicality, as she takes us alongside on her journey that has introduced her to the place she is right this moment. Particularly, the album touches on her love life and previous relationships, as she vulnerably opens up about heartbreak, creating an sincere and relatable launch that can resonate with most individuals.

The songwriter shares, “The primary ballad I ever wrote was ‘Somebody New,’ and it took me quite a lot of heartbreak and studying to get there. However the album additionally paperwork once I embraced my single life and went a bit carefree and wild. Individuals will perceive rather more about me, as a result of all of the songs are about my life. Apart from ‘Bare.’ That’s my alter ego popping out.”

Her powerhouse vocals soar over shiny synths and playful melodies, with choruses so contagious that you just’ll shortly end up singing alongside. LYRA is emotional, but additionally inspiring – and by the tip of the 14 tracks, you’ll really feel completely glad, uplifted and stuffed with heat.

:: “Love You Higher” – St. Lucia ::

Josh Weiner, Washington DC

Out within the day-to-day world, Jean-Philip Grobler of South Africa and Patti Beranek of Germany are a fortunately married couple residing on the sting of a giant lake within the Alpine metropolis of Konstanz. Contained in the studio, they’re St. Lucia, a musical challenge that celebrated its tenth anniversary final fall (their debut album, When the Night time, hit cabinets in October 2013) and now wish to get their second decade of existence going robust with their newest launch, “Love You Higher.”

The well-traveled couple made their method over to Nicaragua a couple of years in the past and spent a séjour over within the coastal village of Maderas. Attending to tour the seashore and jungle every day, and in addition go to sleep to the sound of crickets and howler monkeys, proved to be an indelible expertise, and one which supplied robust lyrical inspiration to Jean-Philip. “One morning I awoke with the refrain of ‘Love You Higher’ in my head,” he says. “It got here to me in a dream, and we spent the day ending the remainder of the tune.”

As soon as again from Nicaragua, the duo teamed again up with their bandmates — guitarist Ross Clark, keyboardist Nick Paul, and drummer Dustin Kaufman — and gave this ode to that particular somebody who can get you thru all kinds of climate a hovering and colourful stay therapy.

“I really feel just like the power actually comes throughout within the recording and I can’t assist however smile each time I hear it,” Grobler says. I’m pleased to present that description a ringing endorsement.

:: “Dropping Out” – complete tommy ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

AXXXXXXXX

:: “Supa Anxious” – Cruza ::

Dimitra Gurduiala, Italy

Ooh la la, is that Dangerous Bunny’s “Booker T” what I’m listening to? It’s all the time pretty to listen to a great pattern when it’s used properly – and effectively, the one in Cruza’s newest single, “Supa Anxious,” definitely is! A number of tips right here and there, a mellifluous voice, and from a robust hit “Booker T” deliciously flows into one thing else, changing into a psychedelic, gentle but trippy monitor. Cruza is an Orlando-based band fashioned by 4 folks, it’s been within the music trade since 2018 and has two albums come out already. Might it’s that they’re on the point of launch a brand new document this 12 months? Given how fairly intriguing Canine Daze turned out to be with tracks like “Groove Remedy,” we sincerely hope so.

:: “Breathe” – bby ::

Emma Rayder, New York

London-based, indie rock five-piece band bby are cultivating an underground vibe that’s much like the one which dominated New York Metropolis’s Decrease East Facet within the early 2000s (see: Meet Me In The Lavatory), but fully their very own. Their newest single, “Breathe,” and the music video that accompanies it – bby used the Ring digicam at their notorious London “hang around” to movie the video – are the most recent stunts in an effort to construct a DIY empire. “Breathe,” equally as provocative because the band’s first single, “hotline,” begins with what seems like a panic assault. Heavy respiration resounds over murky guitars, as lead singer Benjy gears up for equally murky vocals:

Shakin’ the case of your coronary heart
Washin’ your face of the blood
I didn’t know you act powerful

Within the music video (out this Sunday), a disgruntled neighbor shakes her fist on the door of bby’s “HQ” as she telephones the police to make a noise grievance. A younger girl stares on the digicam, confused, as Benjy shouts to the beat, “You’re a freak!” Drunk twenty-somethings naked their tooth and flash their IDs to the jagged chant of the refrain:

Breathe, breathe, breathe, simply
Breathe, breathe, breathe, simply
Brеathe, breathe, brеathe, simply

bby is bringing again the times of sweaty home events and punk exhibits in basements. “Breathe” invitations the listener to hitch the hold, as long as they’re able to get soiled.

:: “Sinner” – Lei Hope ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

AXXXXXXXX

:: “As much as No Good!” – Szou ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

AXXXXXXXX

:: “moon” – pher, ::

Joe Beer, Surrey, UK

London different hip-hop artist pher, lately launched his newest single “moon” and regardless of it being just one minute and 25 seconds, it’s potent sufficient to worm its method deep into your mind. The vibey, sun-soaked tune emits a laid again, simple breezy tone and is the right monitor to have on within the background for any event, whether or not it’s while you’re doing chores, on a protracted drive, sunbathing or residing the do business from home way of life.

pher,’s deep, soulful vocals glide over a plodding beat, creating a soothing ambiance for the listener. Nevertheless, regardless of its chilled-out sound, lyrically the songwriter touches on a thought-provoking theme, as he delves into his experiences of working within the music trade. As he navigates the tumultuous panorama, he speaks about how the typically poisonous nature of the trade can deeply have an effect on your feelings. pher, shares, “My music is deeply introspective and nearly all the time showcases some form of messaging that I need folks to consider.”

:: “Days Are Numbered” – The Most secure Place ::

Christine Buckley, Connecticut

Further than saying they hail from Newcastle, have been associates ceaselessly and play rock music, The Most secure Place at first pay attention defies description. With a sound that mixes Louis Adams’ mesmerizing, Bowie-like vocals and Johnny Bond’s grungy, virtuosic guitar abilities, they domesticate a way of attractive dread that in some way manages to really feel uplifting by the monitor’s finish. Catfish and the Bottlemen followers shall be elated to listen to Bondy so very, very again on his epic guitar-solo bullshit – however he sounds even higher now, infused with extra soul and selection, and extra intrigue when performed softly beneath Adams’ impressively extensive vocal vary.

Launched this week, their new monitor “Days Are Numbered” holds the eponymous lyric, “The most secure place is a field inside a field,” a shudderingly apt metaphor for the clangs and metallic percussion within the monitor’s opening, harking back to a mine or a jail. A hip-hop-influenced beat finally enters, giving the monitor a springiness at excellent odds with its gloomy lyrics. Adams’ voice ranges in colour and tone all through, from low and sluggish, resigned nearly, within the verses to his breathed mantra “surviving, surviving,” to manic and fed up within the bridge, when it screeches up (in a great way) to a peak: “I’m tearing up my love letters / I’m leaving all of the dishes within the sink!”

The pair have a present tonight at Cullercoats Crescent Membership in North Shields – should you’re within the space get down there, particularly as a result of apparently there shall be a backing choir, the concept of which sounds simply wild sufficient to be proper up this duo’s avenue. And look out for his or her debut album later this 12 months.

:: “Pulling Enamel” – Gradual Pleasure ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

AXXXXXXXX

:: “When It Ends” – BIZZY ::

Josh Weiner, Washington DC

As a Washington, DC native, I all the time lend an enthusiastic ear to musicians from my hometown, and BIZZY, having been born within the District, matches that billing effectively. Irrespective of her geographic origins, although, I’m positive I’d recognize her vocal and lyrical abilities, which have been steadily constructing ever since she put out her first official single, “Anyone,” on TikTok two years in the past this month.

At the moment residing in Nashville, BIZZY has simply put out her first new tune of the 12 months, “When It Ends.” “It,” on this context, refers to childhood/adolescence which, now that she’s in her mid-20s, is one thing that she’s bought to formally say goodbye to. That doesn’t imply it’s a straightforward course of, although– particularly whereas making an attempt to construct her profile as a musician. She paperwork the difficulties of getting one foot in her youth (“I’m only a child, so please deal with me prefer it”) and the opposite within the door of maturity (“I’m making an attempt my greatest, do you see it? Simply tryna keep alive, appears like do or die”).

The ethereal beat by BIZZY’s frequent collaborator Brandon Meagher reinforces this theme effectively, as does the music video, which exhibits BIZZY tiptoeing on the picket boards of the boundaries of the playground, as if craving to return to her youth and play on the swings one final time. No can do, although– BIZZY’s bought to make it as an grownup now, and hopefully her musical endeavors will assist to make that course of pleasant and thrilling for her.

:: Capturing Stars – Star2 ::

Grace Holtzclaw, Los Angeles

Star2 is an Asian-American rapper and pop artist who advocates for refugees throughout the globe. His newest album Capturing Stars is a pop-tinged saga noting on thematics of affection, fame, and deception. Star2 steps ahead as a visceral vocalist who fearlessly navigates the darkish waters of betrayal whereas not failing to seize the magic and bliss of pure relationships.

Capturing Stars will hypnotize you with addictive pop hooks, heavy-handed beats, and a suave vocal from Star2 who displays on his multi-dimensional rise to fame. Opening monitor “Capturing Stars” sweeps you off your toes with ruminative electronics that go with Star2’s devoted musings. Written about falling in love from a distance, “Capturing Stars” needs for a as soon as in a lifetime romance. Adopted by “Outta My Head” which takes a darker flip with brooding electrical riffs, Star2 sings of a tumultuous connection that he cuts out of his life. “She Thinks She’s A Participant” attracts in slithering electronics to pair with Star2’s snake-like anthem that displays on a relationship that ends with a backstab. Star2’s fourth monitor “Get Low For Me (feat. Belle Aire)” is a sensually elegant monitor that chronicles a connection constructed on plain chemistry. That includes pop vocalist Belle Aire, the dynamic between the 2 artists is electrical. “Bottle Service” is a heartfelt journey that displays on Star2’s highly effective relationship together with his childhood crush that lasts by means of the ages.

“Simply Like Them Waterfalls” is an island-inspired reverie on a fated connection. Over tropical sonics and ear-catching beats, Star2 descends deeper beneath her spell. “Clout Chaser” is a stark transition out of Star2’s daydreams and into the darkish aspect of fame. “Clout Chaser” is written about how folks have taken benefit of Star2’s success. Adopted together with his poignant ballad “Lies”, the monitor rummages by means of a heartbreaking relationship that ends with being blindsided. “Famous person” entices the ear with clean beats and infectious stream as Star2 reignites his inner-fire. “All Alone” is Star2’s second to tackle the world by himself as he displays on carving his path independently. Closing monitor “Whatcha Need From Me” ponders on how life has modified for Star2 as he’s gotten older. Ending on a be aware of private readability and poise, Capturing Stars is a round journey of self-discovery with all roads main again to Star2.

:: “What If” – Mia Wray ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

AXXXXXXXX

:: “The Mild Present” – Eric Sprint ::

Chloe Robinson, California

It will be exhausting to search out hope when all sense of safety appears misplaced. You attempt to stay grateful for all you will have, whereas additionally struggling simply to get by. Eric Sprint reminds us that whether or not we’re in deep despair or pleased to be alive, there’s a fixed mild shining down on us. “The Mild Present” is a robust piece depicting God’s presence in all we do and the way vital it’s to maintain the religion. With heat, high-pitched vocals over mild, enjoyable preparations the piece evokes emotions of artists similar to Jason Mraz. You might be drawn in by Sprint’s cozy high quality.

The only is off of his album Bystandard. The singer reveals, “I’ve had an attention-grabbing relationship with God. It goes between being extraordinarily grateful to being so confused and disoriented that I discover myself screaming on the sky. It’s one hell of a dynamic. I wished to jot down about that relationship. I wrote about it throughout this album.”

The New Jersey native grew up performing throughout the Philadelphia space. At 23 he discovered some success working with famed producer Jack Joseph Puig (John Mayer/No Doubt). That resulted in a tour with Heffron Drive, fronted by Kendall Schmidt from Massive Time Rush. “The Mild Present” is the perfect show of simply how far he’s come, demonstrating, just like the tune expresses, there’s a better pressure guiding us on our path.

:: “She’ll Be Dancing” – Beren Olivia ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

AXXXXXXXX

— — — —

Hook up with us on
Fb, Twitter, Instagram

Uncover new music on Atwood Journal

:: Weekly Roundup ::

 observe WEEKLY ROUNDUP on Spotify

---

:: This Week’s Options ::

---