Each Friday, Atwood Journal’s workers share what they’ve been listening to that week – a track, an album, an artist – no matter’s been having an impression on them, within the second.
This week’s weekly roundup options music by Sabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton, Remoted Youth, Aistis, Alejandro Aranda, Annie-Rose Maloney, August James, Vivid Mild Vivid Mild & Donna Lewis, MARKETPLACE, Blue Slate, charlieeeee & Phoebe Corridor, Dave Curl, Money & Skye, Lola Wild, Ellie Dixon, Lilly Bedard, and younger good friend!
•• •• •• ••
comply with WEEKLY ROUNDUP on Spotify 
•• ••
:: “Please Please Please” – Sabrina Carpenter ft. Dolly Parton ::
Bárbara Martínez Campuzano, Mexico
You’ll must take heed to “Please Please Please” with a style of the nation style. Launched this previous Valentine’s Day, the deluxe version of Sabrina Carpenter’s newest album, Brief ‘n Candy, incorporates a brand new model of its second monitor with the legendary nation singer, Dolly Parton. Other than the nation twist, the track has undergone lyric modifications such because the swear phrases that accompanied “Heartbreak is one factor, my ego’s one other, I encourage you, don’t embarrass me just like the others.” This omission was addressed by Parton, saying that she will’t say these phrases for her children.
This track is definitely worth the hear not solely as a result of it shifted from pop right into a extra nation surroundings, however as a result of two widespread, praised artists from two totally different generations have proven their expertise in vocals and even within the monitor’s new music video, by which Parton takes place as a protagonist. In the direction of the top of the video, there’s a shock that has saved Carpenter’s followers speaking… particularly those that learn about her current previous relationship with Barry Keoghan.
:: “Love Locked in a Darkish Room” – Remoted Youth ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
A fiery, feverish post-punk haze blankets the senses as Remoted Youth’s first single of the 12 months roars to life, engulfing the ears in a uncooked, inescapable sonic (and emotional) warmth. Launched January 14th, “Love Locked in a Darkish Room” is a cathartic and charming, charged and churning present of brute drive – and memorable expertise – from the Swedish band. The lead single off their forthcoming debut album miserere mei (out April 4th) rages with thrashing drums and brash guitars, concurrently calling to thoughts laborious rock heavyweights like Muse and post-punk legends like The Treatment, as vocalist Axel Mårdberg spills his soul with dramatic poise and exhilarating power.
“‘Love Locked in a Darkish Room’ was the primary track we wrote for the album Miserere Mei,” Remoted Youth’s William Mårdberg tells Atwood Journal. “Faris Badwan of The Horrors first heard it by a livestream of our efficiency on the Norrtälje Artwork Middle, a distant coastal metropolis exterior of Stockholm, the place we’re from. It sparked the remainder of the album as a result of it gave us the primary clue in regards to the route the remainder would take. The monitor has a nocturnal aura but an upbeat vibe. ‘Love Locked in a Darkish Room’ options a traditional blues sample strumming in the verse, which then breaks into an emotive refrain.”
“The lyrics describe being out on a ‘chilly, darkish, violent night time’ and, to some extent, feeling trapped in nightly environments with out an escape plan. Or maybe like being underwater and looking out as much as the floor, discovering another person in this setting, and all of the sudden realizing later the identical night time that there’s one thing shiny and pure that cuts by the noise and brings you again above the floor. Then, all the pieces else that occurred looks like a nightmarish, unusual dream, and in that second, realizing that you simply don’t need the opposite individual to depart… Like love locked in a darkish room.”
The tip result’s an unapologetically intense, darkly romantic, spine-chilling reverie. As boldly unrelenting as it’s completely breathtaking, “Love Locked in a Darkish Room” hits laborious and leaves an prompt mark, making certain all ears comply with the band within the lead-up to their debut.
Remoted Youth have, in a single track, made their declare to 2025 – and it’ll be on to different bands to reside as much as the instance set by “Love Locked in a Darkish Room.”
:: Caviar for Seagulls – Aistis ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
Aistis’ Caviar For Seagulls is a masterclass in art-folk storytelling, mixing grandiose orchestration with piercing self-examination. Every monitor unfurls like a scene from an outdated Hollywood movie, steeped in melancholic magnificence but charged with a stressed, looking power. The luxurious instrumentation – swelling strings, wistful pedal metal, and bursts of brass—frames Aistis’ poetic lyricism, lending a theatrical weight to his introspective musings. That is an album that doesn’t simply ask questions; it wrestles with them, permitting its fragmented vignettes to construct right into a strikingly immersive and deeply private journey. As Aistis navigates the corridors of his previous, his voice – each weak and wry – acts as a information by the shifting landscapes of reminiscence, remorse, and redemption.
But, for all its self-reckoning, Caviar For Seagulls isn’t weighed down by despair; reasonably, it finds an odd, shimmering hope inside its introspections. Tracks like “Rejoice” provide cathartic launch, whereas “86/Dove” pays homage to Leonard Cohen’s enduring knowledge, embracing acceptance over resistance. Even at its most self-critical, the album by no means feels indulgent—it’s, as a substitute, a superbly crafted research of the human situation, delivered with Aistis’ signature wit and candor. His collaboration with co-producer Niall Mutter and engineer Gilles Castilloux has resulted in a file that’s each expansive and intimate, solidifying Aistis as one of the vital compelling voices in up to date people. With Caviar For Seagulls, he proves that the most effective storytelling doesn’t simply reveal the artist – it invitations the listener to see themselves mirrored within the depths.
:: “Dissonant Concord” – Alejandro Aranda ::
Rachel Leong, France
Alejandro Aranda just lately returned beneath new alias, releasing the only “Dissonant Concord.” Previously referred to as Scarypoolparty, Aranda’s new monitor marks a brand new starting for the artist. With rhythmic acoustic guitar riffs and clean vocals, “Dissonant Concord” is a bittersweet and shiny monitor steeped in nostalgia.
The monitor croons, “Seems like I’m ready, separating from the time zone / Really feel like I’m fading to the gap of the unknown / Really feel like I’m falling, however I’m longing simply to return residence”, posing an anthem for the emotional alerts of that free fall into the longer term.
After his success as a finalist on the seventeenth season of American Idol in 2019, Alejandro Aranda grew to become an indie celebrity along with his distinctive mix of other pop, indie, and acoustic types mixed with emotional lyrics and his spectacular guitar expertise.
:: “I Run From Ache” – Annie-Rose Maloney ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
“I run from ache earlier than it hurts,” sings a unadorned and uncooked Annie-Rose Maloney, their tender voice heavy on the mic alongside a lone, hauntingly naked acoustic guitar. “Earlier than I get the time to suppose and make it worse.” Dwelling in infinitely weak depths of introspection, “I Run From Ache” aches in and out because the Naarm/Melbourne-based singer/songwriter reckons not simply with themself and their very own behaviors, however with the usually merciless ebbs and flows of life itself.
It’s a track born from a lingering, unavoidable disappointment inside and with out; a darkish and trustworthy confession sung to, and for, the self.
I run from ache,
Earlier than it hurts,
Earlier than I get the time to suppose
And make it worse.
I’m at all times numb, is that okay?
Or am I shedding out
From not studying the best way to keep?
“I wrote ‘I Run From Ache’ a few years in the past when I was deeply unhappy and disconnected from myself and different individuals,” Maloney tells Atwood Journal. “The track asks many questions on life and ache. When I wrote it, I was actually making an attempt to know how individuals related with each other, as a result of I by no means felt like I was in a position to do it. I felt like I had an enormous a part of myself lacking and it was fairly harrowing.”
“The phrases to the track had been written in a short time. In nearly lower than half an hour, the entire track was created. I actually had issue singing ‘I Run From Ache’ initially due to the disappointment I felt when I sang the phrases. Though it was written a while in the past, the themes are nonetheless related to me at present.”
We’re dying off, we’re getting chilly.
I’ll stand alone when I’m outdated.
Then the place will I run, what is going to I do?
What’s the purpose of residing with out you?
It doesn’t get rawer than this – and it’s that unflinching, visceral pouring out of the self that makes Annie-Rose Maloney as relatable as “I Run From Ache” is gut-wrenching. In baring their soul to the world, the alt-folk artist has tapped right into a deeper pressure of our shared humanity – the intimate stuff that feels unbearably isolating, but in actual fact, has the facility to deliver us all collectively.
Are you an identical,
Or do you harm?
Have you ever liked and misplaced
And bought what you deserve?
Is there remorse, or is there none?
Do your eyes say
You may have peace with all you’ve carried out?
We’re dying off, we’re getting chilly.
I’ll stand alone when I’m outdated.
Then the place will I run, what is going to I do?
What’s the purpose of residing with out you?
I’m reminded of Neil Younger’s “My My, Hey Hey” – one other track that not solely despatched shivers down the backbone, but additionally opened me as much as emotions I had by no means absolutely expressed, or understood, earlier than. Similarly, “I Run From Ache” evokes the unevocable and expresses the inexpressible – placing music to a sense that always leaves us empty and drained, and at a loss. Unhappy and somber although it could be, this track is a real present, and one that may absolutely be cherished forevermore.
By no means have I ever wished it extra.
You see it in my face,
I’m all misplaced, my love.
And the life I liked to speak about
Is falling by my arms.
Who’s gonna be there
After we flip it throughout?
:: “Montana Riverbeds” – August James ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
Tender, comfortable, and haunting, “Montana Riverbeds” is the type of track that each soothes and stirs the soul without delay. The newest providing from singer/songwriter August James finds the Minnesota-raised, Los Angeles-based artist dipping his toes in each the people and indie worlds without delay, using mild guitars and synths (and his personal hushed, soul-stirring voice), along with a putting drum loop and tasteful sampling, to create one thing altogether recent, daring, and breathtakingly lovely.
“I wrote ‘Montana Riverbeds’ about feeling like somebody was utilizing me as a distraction from who and what they actually wished,” James tells Atwood Journal. “‘Montana Riverbeds’ is an outdated Hollywood Rom-Western in track type – I’ve at all times been compelled by the American West as a traditional metaphor for craving and escape; these themes and that backdrop match excellent for story of misplaced love I inform within the track.”
James’ efficiency is romantic, it’s endearing, and it’s finally all-consuming: A blanket of heat for the ears and the center. An perception into his subsequent EP (particulars TBD), “Montana Riverbeds” is each a wondrous show of human emotion, and a charming present of expertise from an artist filled with promise, potential, and uncooked emotion.
:: “Take pleasure in Youth – Welsh Model” – Vivid Mild Vivid Mild, Donna Lewis ::
Grace Holtzclaw, Los Angeles, CA
Bproper Mild Vivid Mild and Donna Lewis are two Welsh artists who come collectively on “Take pleasure in Youth – Welsh Model” for a shifting tribute that pays homage to their shared residence nation. Donna Lewis lends her legendary voice to the monitor, as acknowledged from her platinum-selling profession and groundbreaking single, “I Love You At all times Ceaselessly”. Her vocal paired with Vivid Mild Vivid Mild’s eclectic electronics makes for an elevated, uplifting, and actually unforgettable partnership between the 2 artists.
“Take pleasure in Youth” is a transcendent hear that notes on the peaks and valleys of life that lead us to the current second. Donna Lewis sings, “It’s been merciless and it’s been form / We’ve stuffed our hearts and stuffed our minds.” Packed to the brim with fleeting electro-pop sonics, glowing synths, and stirring harmonies, “Take pleasure in Youth” units the scene for a reflective journey by our personal reminiscences.
Produced by Rod Thomas and GRAMMY-nominated producer Jon Shave, “Take pleasure in Youth” is a seamless collision of sheer artistry. For Vivid Mild Vivid Mild who grew up listening to Lewis, this single is a cornerstone in his profession as a musician. He feels fortunate and impressed to work together with her and that very same spirit carries by within the music itself.
:: “Ode to Monty” – Market ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
MARKETPLACE’s “Ode to Monty” is a charmingly offbeat indie-pop gem that seamlessly blends satire with sincerity. With its shimmering synths, punchy guitar riffs, and driving rhythm part, the monitor radiates the colourful power that has develop into the band’s hallmark. Whereas love songs typically lean into sentimentality, “Ode to Monty” flips the script, humorously centering across the unlikely romantic determine of “Gardeners’ World” host Monty Don. Evie Rhodes’ charismatic lead vocals strike the proper steadiness between playful and heartfelt, wrapping the tongue-in-cheek idea in a genuinely infectious melody. The result’s a track that feels each refreshing and effortlessly enjoyable, proving MARKETPLACE’s skill to craft music that’s as intelligent as it’s catchy.
Beneath the humor, “Ode to Monty” is a testomony to MARKETPLACE’s evolving sound – one which nods to their influences, from Pulp to Alvvays, whereas remaining distinctly their very own. Chad Rodgers’ manufacturing captures the essence of their dynamic reside performances, permitting the band’s tight musicianship and simple chemistry to shine. The wealthy interaction of bass, synth, and vocals provides a stage of sophistication to the monitor, displaying that MARKETPLACE is greater than only a band with a humorousness; they’re a gaggle with critical musical chops. As they proceed to carve out their place within the indie-pop scene, “Ode to Monty” serves as a superb instance of their skill to combine wit with heat, delivering a single that’s as memorable as it’s delightfully sudden.
:: This Is How I Sleep At Evening – Blue Slate ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
Blue Slate’s debut EP This Is How I Sleep At Evening is a shocking introduction to a band poised for greatness, effortlessly merging New Wave melancholy with shoegaze’s swirling depth. Throughout its tracks, the Irish four-piece crafts a sound each nostalgic and pressing, with uncooked, jangling guitars and piercing lyricism that reduce straight to the core. The title monitor stands because the EP’s defining second – an alt-rock powerhouse drenched in reverb and distortion, evoking the dreamy attract of DIIV whereas channeling the unfiltered power of The Velvet Underground.
With echoes of Manic Road Preachers’ fearless lyricism and a dynamic vary that sways between indie introspection and grunge-fueled chaos This Is How I Sleep At Evening cements Blue Slate as a drive to be reckoned with in trendy rock.
:: “KNOW ME” – charlieeeee & Phoebe Corridor ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
AXXXXXXXX
:: “Idiot in Love” – Dave Curl ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
Dave Curl’s “Idiot in Love” is a masterful mix of uncooked emotion and infectious melody, a track that feels each deeply private and universally relatable. Written three many years in the past however solely now seeing the sunshine of day, the monitor carries the load of time, permitting listeners to step into the center of Curl’s youthful uncertainty. His soulful vocals glide effortlessly over a refined pop association, weaving a story of affection’s contradictions – the enjoyment, the confusion, and the aching seek for one thing simply out of attain. The track’s power lies in its honesty; it doesn’t provide simple resolutions however as a substitute embraces the messy, lovely actuality of human emotion.
Regardless of its introspective origins “Idiot in Love” radiates a hopeful power, remodeling self-doubt into an anthem of resilience. The shimmering manufacturing and memorable hooks elevate the track past mere nostalgia, making it a poignant reflection on development and self-acceptance. Curl’s skill to translate deeply private experiences into music that resonates throughout generations speaks to his artistry. As a part of his increasing discography, this newest single additional cements his popularity as a songwriter who isn’t afraid to put naked his soul. Whether or not you’re caught within the throes of affection or trying again on previous uncertainties, “Idiot in Love” is a reminder that the journey of the center is as compelling because the vacation spot.
:: “Stranger” – Money & Skye ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
AXXXXXXXX
:: “Leap the Gun” – Lola Wild ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
Lola Wild’s extremely anticipated new single “Leap the Gun” affords a mesmerizing glimpse into her forthcoming EP, Misplaced Sign. A slow-burning ballad steeped in melancholy, the monitor echoes the heartbreak of unmet expectations and the emotional turbulence of impulsive selections. Infused with a shimmering 80s manufacturing aesthetic, the track is an ideal mix of nostalgia and modernity. Produced by Jim Wallis (Nonetheless Corners, Fashionable Nature) at London’s legendary Strongroom Studios, “Leap the Gun” transports listeners right into a dreamlike haze, with layers of reverb enveloping Wild’s hauntingly lovely vocals. It feels as if the track is being performed from a distant previous, with Wild’s confessional lyrics echoing by a neon-lit, empty room.
The track invitations introspection, exploring the fragile steadiness between self-awareness and the anxiousness of ready for issues to go flawed. At its core, “Leap the Gun” is a candid exploration of Wild’s inside dialogue, capturing each her insecurities and the results of performing on impulse. With its thought-provoking themes and infectious power, the only is an ideal introduction to Lola Wild’s upcoming EP, showcasing her uncommon skill to mix timeless influences together with her uniquely charming voice and imaginative and prescient.
:: “Guts” – Ellie Dixon ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
AXXXXXXXX
:: “Not Every little thing Ends” – Lilly Bedard ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
Lilly Bedard’s newest single “Not Every little thing Ends” looks like a heat hug for anybody who’s ever feared love was fleeting. With a dreamy mix of folk-pop melodies and her signature poetic lyricism, Bedard delivers a monitor that’s as comforting as it’s cathartic. Her voice, wealthy with emotion, glides over delicate acoustic strumming, constructing right into a hovering realization: typically, love actually does final. The track’s heartfelt storytelling transforms doubt into hope, making it the proper anthem for anybody who’s discovered mild after heartbreak.
What makes “Not Every little thing Ends” so particular is its quiet energy. It doesn’t depend on flashy manufacturing or over-the-top declarations – as a substitute, it attracts you in with uncooked honesty and an intimacy that lingers lengthy after the final be aware fades. Bedard’s lyrics, like a whispered promise, remind us that love isn’t at all times about grand gestures; typically, it’s about merely being there. Whether or not you’re a hopeless romantic or a cautious optimist, this track is certain to hit you proper within the coronary heart.
:: “i like women” – younger good friend ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
AXXXXXXXX
— — — —
Hook up with us on
Fb, Twitter, Instagram
Uncover new music on Atwood Journal
:: Weekly Roundup ::
comply with WEEKLY ROUNDUP on Spotify
:: This Week’s Options ::