Atwood Journal's Weekly Roundup: Might 31, 2024

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

This week’s weekly roundup options music by London Grammar, Tasha, AWOLNATION & Emily Armstrong, Birdtalker, Olive Louise, Reik, GSoul, Matte Blvck, Been Stellar, Lily Lane, WAASH, & SCHØØL!

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observe WEEKLY ROUNDUP on Spotify

:: “Form of Man” – London Grammar ::

Josh Weiner, Washington DC

As I inch nearer to my first journey to London in 18 years, developing on July twentieth, I’m conditioning myself for my long-delayed return to city by getting higher acquainted with the London music scene. That included going to the freakin’ ROLLING STONES present final evening, in fact… however since that’s a subject for one more put up, let me as a substitute save this house to sing the praises of London Grammar, a trio who met whereas finding out on the College of Nottingham about 15 years in the past and have spent most of that interval based mostly within the metropolis of their title. “London can also be so worldwide and multicultural that it truly felt like fairly a common title in a means,” lead singer Hannah Reid explains.

This indie pop group– which additionally options guitarist Dan Rothman and keyboardist Dominic “Dot” Main– will likely be placing out their fourth album, The Best Love, this September. To advertise this album, they’ve launched the advance single, “Form of Man.” It explores an analogous subject as that which the group has addressed in a few of their current releases, specifically the nefarious males that they (particularly Hannah) have needed to take care of throughout their time within the professional music business.

“You’re a diamond in a tough… the type of man to take me not critically,” Reid sings of stated individuals. However then, simply to battle again: “I noticed you fading, turning into jadеd. You’ll be able to’t consider it, lifе’s a problem.” Revenge is a dish greatest served in track, it appears– significantly when that track is provided with lovely vocals, sturdy instrumental work, and a few catchy na-na-na’s stitched to the top for good measure. For now, let’s get pleasure from our summer season and hope that The Best Love maintains that very same excessive commonplace as soon as it comes out within the fall.

:: “Michigan” – Tasha ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

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:: “Leap Sit Stand March” – AWOLNATION ft. Emily Armstrong ::

Christine Buckley, Connecticut

I’m a damaged document about AWOLNATION, however Aaron Bruno is among the many cruelly underrated musical geniuses of our time, on this critic’s humble-ass opinion anyway. His California affect and love of alt-surf-rock provides him some outrageous songwriting chops–his melodies make me simply sigh in reverence each time–and alternatively, his unparalleled scream is so, so satisfying, particularly as a result of he, like every good superhero, is aware of find out how to this surreal energy sparingly.

On this observe Bruno is joined by fellow professional screamer Erin Armstrong of Lifeless Sara, and it’s one fab collab. Her lyrics are a few of the most potent on this rhythmic, piano-backed banger that echoes the beat and piano backing of Eminem’s “Lose Your self.” – “Don’t kill the messenger, I communicate what I see.” The introduction, although, primes us for a psychological gobsmack:

Mob mentality is overrated
People are melting on the pavement
Aaaaaah, I would like a brand new get together to specific how I see issues
However in the present day nobody’s certain
so we’ll see what tonight brings.

It’s obtained a catchy, flowy, melodic refrain, a percussive chant, and synthy, robot-y chaos below these freaking nice screams. Simply ear sweet throughout, to not point out spot-on social commentary: I, too, Aaron, would love a brand new get together to interrupt the inflexible mildew into which our political system forces us. “Leap Sit Stand March” involves us with the long-awaited reveal of his upcoming album’s tracklist and launch date. The Phantom 5 arrives on Aug. 30.

:: “Life’s a Journey” – Birdtalker ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

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:: “No Medication”- Olive Louise ::

Chloe Robinson, California

AGenerally it’s laborious to know our goal and when life feels unattainable it’s obscure how issues simply transfer on. This existential theme is the middle of Olive Louise’s poignant but attractive new chamber pop single “No Medication.” The plush, cinematic and timeless piece enthralls with Olive Louise’s velvety vocals singing infectious hooks. The lyrics, unhappy and introspective, evoke a way of longing and a bewildering confusion on the perils of life, completely complementing the wistful musical association.

“No Medication” is shared with artistic visuals directed by Olive Louise and Safonkina. The music video was filmed in Upstate New York, predominantly in Albergo Allegria, a Victorian mattress and breakfast nestled within the Catskills by Windham Mountains. The visuals showcase Olive in quite a lot of distinctive scenes the place she ignores the madness going throughout her, together with her baggage catching on hearth and her eating room being utterly upheaved. These scenes are metaphors for individuals who put on blinders in life, ignoring what’s incorrect with society. In the long run although, this denial and avoidance catches up with them simply because it does for Olive Louise within the video.

Olive Louise is a transformative creator who has the distinctive potential to craft timeless tunes that resonate deeply with listeners. Her music usually blurs genres with parts of folks, pop, and even classical intertwined. With a robust voice and a deep sense of relatability Olive Louise is one to observe.

:: “No Molestar” – Reik ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

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:: “Window Pane (Fairly Lil Factor)” – GSoul ::

Josh Weiner, Washington DC

At my first-ever “MFA Late Nite” in Boston earlier this month, I obtained to catch the museum’s ongoing exhibit Hallyu! The Korean Wave. It was an enchanting haven for All Issues Korea– Psy’s pink-and-black coat from the “Gangnam Fashion” video, a reconstructed set from Parasite, some sizzling new outfits from the newest Korean trend exhibits, you title it! On the heels of that have, it positively made sense for me to hunt out some recent Okay-Pop tracks, and I’m very pleased with one which I encountered: “Window Pane (Fairly Lil Factor)” by GSoul.

The 35-year-old singer from South Korea has been across the business for about 10 years, having launched his debut EP, Coming Residence, again in 2015. Heaps of extra tracks have adopted, however this one makes a daring experimental stride into R&B territory, leading to a way more mellow environment than that which party-ready Okay-Pop often lends itself to. “Come see the world from my window pane, Come see the world from my view for a change,” he implores his love curiosity, who goes by the Michael Jackson-evoking nickname of “Fairly Lil Factor.” He guarantees her that she will “Greatest consider we going viral.” With the vocal expertise on show right here, “Window Pane (Fairly Lil Factor)” might properly permit him to meet stated promise.

:: “I Do” – Lily Lane ::

Joe Beer, Surrey, UK

Taking a leap from her darkish pop princess period and delving into the world of romantic pop soul, East Coast artist Lily Lane unveils her model new single “I Do.” Not solely does the observe mark the start of a brand new course for Lane, nevertheless it additionally marks an enormous milestone within the songwriter’s life, as she paperwork her personal love story and her feelings main as much as her marriage ceremony. The superbly weak track touches on the whirlwind of feelings you expertise throughout this thrilling and generally overwhelming time of your life, with Lane revealing her issues of getting to talk in entrance of individuals. She shares, “I used to be anxious in regards to the thought of talking in entrance of individuals on the marriage ceremony, I’m significantly better at singing and performing than I’m at public talking.” So as a substitute, she determined to do what she does greatest and put every thing she wished to say to her new fiancé in a heart-wrenching track.

Sonically, “I Do” echoes with a uncooked edge, permitting each inch of her emotion to shine via. Lane’s highly effective vocals soar over easy instrumentation, accompanied by layered harmonies that add a celestial aptitude. “I Do” is the proper track for all of the lovers who want a serving to hand in relation to expressing their feelings.

:: “Pumpkin” – Been Stellar ::

Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York

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:: “Pupula Duplex” – Matte Blvck ::

Chloe Robinson, California

San Diego trio Matte Blvck are recognized for his or her intoxicating musical moments and invigorating stay performances. The proud LatinX band return with a gritty and ferocious single “Pupula Duplex.” The observe is an electrifying journey that effortlessly blends parts of darkwave, synth-pop, trance and electronica. A pulsating bassline and meditative lyrics transport the listener to a dystopian world. The track’s lyrics are haunting, highlighting the thought of somebody with a “God Complicated.” That individual says they’re “the reality in disguise,” displaying how superior they assume they’re and the ability they consider they maintain.

Matte Blvck started sharing music in 2020 and has since launched a plethora of singles and an album as well. The band fashioned from a longtime deep friendship between members Alex Gonzales, Daniel Corrales, and Bidi Cobra. The trio are recognized for making a sonic panorama that’s each immersive and evocative, pushing the boundaries of digital music.