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

This week’s weekly roundup options music by Foo Fighters, Raye Zaragoza & MILCK, Cuco & The Marías, swim faculty, Mirrorball, Tim Younger, Jules Paymer, The Velveteins, Dan San, Natisa Gogol, Julia D’Angelo, & Hold!

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 observe WEEKLY ROUNDUP on Spotify

:: However Right here We Are – Foo Fighters ::

Mitch Mosk, New York

Initially my evaluation of Foo Fighters’ eleventh studio album was simply going to be a bunch of unkempt expletives strung right into a half-coherent sentence – an eruption of pleasure, exhilaration, and exhaustion unexpectedly. It felt becoming, however actually these ten songs deserve higher than that. Foo Fighters’ first launch since drummer Taylor Hawkins’ loss of life, However Right here We Are (launched right this moment by way of Roswell Information) is a heavy and heartfelt tribute to a misplaced pal: A document of mourning and grief, reckoning with life and loss of life, presence and absence, the unrelenting ache of loss, and the pure legal guidelines that govern our tragically transient existence.

It’s an album that aches from the within out, and one which – fairly poignantly – sees Foo Fighters as soon as extra on the top of their sport, albeit lacking somebody who, over the course of the previous 25 years, served because the band’s beating coronary heart. Along with Hawkins’ premature passing in March 2022, Grohl misplaced his mom, Virginia Grohl, later that very same 12 months.

Every of However Right here We Are‘s ten songs fittingly sees Dave Grohl and co. trying to find that means within the insanity and making an attempt to come back to peace with their very own inside turbulence, all of the whereas letting these tempestuous feelings run free by a few of the band’s most explosive and provocative music in years. Opening observe “Rescued” units the tone with fiery drumming and an emotionally charged refrain about redemption and revival (“We’re all free to some extent to bop below the lights, I’m simply ready to be rescued, carry me again to life“), however what’s most putting is Grohl’s achingly uncooked vocal efficiency: He holds nothing again as he balances management on one hand, and utter chaos on the opposite. The result’s nothing in need of pure, raging ardour.

“I had a imaginative and prescient of you, and identical to that, I used to be left to dwell with out it,” Grohl sings on the high of “The Glass,” one among fairly a number of album standouts. Whereas it is a extra tender second of upheaval, Foo Fighters typically lean into the deep, unleashing themselves in feverish outpourings of cataclysmic sound – as exhibited by the album’s very subsequent music, “Nothing At All,” the place a frenzied Grohl roars, “Now that each one the sensation is gone, everythin’ or nothin’ in any respect!“

However Right here We Are is a tempest, and like several good storm, its ultimate moments are a few of its finest. The ten-minute epic “The Instructor” is a melancholic, soul-stirring homage to Grohl’s mom, who herself was a trainer (and, as his mom, additionally served Grohl’s first trainer). The dynamic music ends with Grohl shouting a “Goodbye!” time and again into the abyss.

However Right here We Are involves a wide ranging shut on the half-acoustic, half-electric “Relaxation,” a hauntingly lovely elegy to the not too long ago departed. “Love and belief, life is only a sport of luck, all this time’s scaping us, till our time is thru,” Grohl sings within the music’s verse, discovering a spot of peace and assurance in a refrain that involves be its personal religious mantra: “Relaxation, you possibly can relaxation now. Relaxation, you can be secure now.“

Foo Fighters’ eleventh album is neither secure nor straightforward, however in letting out their very own demons and darker sides right here, the band have delivered a beacon of affection, gentle, and life. However Right here We Are hurts as a result of loss of life is unavoidable, but it surely’s that intrinsic inevitability – our shared mortality – that makes this album so painful, so transferring, and so goddamn lovely.

::  “Pleasure Revolution” – Raye Zaragoza & MILCK ::

Sophie Severs, Boston, MA

Our existence as people on this Earth may be tumultuous. Our day-to-day life is usually stuffed with unhealthy information and disappointment appears to be proper round each nook. At occasions, it looks like discovering the vitality to really be completely satisfied is the hardest battle we struggle.

However what if being completely satisfied was a type of protest in opposition to the monotony of the on a regular basis?

Raye Zaragoza and MILCK ask this query of their observe, “Pleasure Revolution,” launched final Friday, Could 26, by way of Insurgent River Information. As the primary reduce off of Zaragoza’s upcoming document, Maintain That Spirit, the melody kickstarts the album rollout course of with an expression of unrelenting pleasure.

As a girl of indigenous descent Zaragoza shares one other that means behind the observe, “I really like the thought that our ancestors fought so exhausting for our freedom – and it’s out of respect for them that we struggle to expertise laughter and pleasure. I undoubtedly have been one to assume that I’ve to ‘earn’ relaxation and ‘earn’ pleasure — however that mind-set has brought on me ache and anxiousness. It’s time to expertise radical and unconditional pleasure, and let pleasure exist even when life isn’t excellent.”

“I wanna need what I’ve / Give up to the issues I don’t perceive / It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright / I’m gonna hold marching on,” Zaragoza and MILCK sing, their voices intertwining in candy concord over breezy instrumentals.  “We’re love in movement,” the 2 musicians sing, reminding listeners that we weren’t placed on this Earth to struggle and hate, however moderately to love.

And so, be part of Raye Zaragoza and MILCK of their “Pleasure Revolution,” and hold an eye fixed out for Zaragoza’s upcoming document, Maintain That Spirit, coming August 11!

:: “Si Me Voy” – Cuco ft. The Marías ::

Julia Dzurillay, New Jersey

I one way or the other manifested this collaboration. Cuco and The Marías are vastly completely different artists, with Cuco leaning closely on psychedelic sounds adjoining to Tame Impala. His spectacular record of musician buddies contains Kacey Musgraves, Clairo, Boy Pablo, and, not too long ago, Caloncho.

The Marías, particularly, have well-known options of their discography — “Otro Atardecer” from Dangerous Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti, in fact, a noteworthy point out. The band is understood for his or her indie/various roots, generally dipping into bossa nova. For “Si Me Voy,” although, the contrasting genres simply work.

“And if I depart? I would like your love to be with me If I am going I provides you with No matter you need as a result of that’s my future I’m for you? Am I,” the translated lyrics learn. It’s a relaxed, muted color-toned single. It’s unhappy boi/woman summer time in one of the simplest ways.

:: duality – Swim College ::

Brianna Corinne, Colorado

Duality –the newest launch from the Edinburgh-hailing trio is a splash right into a dreamy panorama exploring love and life, nevertheless, this quartet of songs is on no account a repeat of another story of affection or life that’s been informed earlier than. This EP is a punchy grouping of songs that illustrate individually charming vignettes that work stunningly as a group.

“kill you” leads off the EP and with Alice Johnson’s floating vocals paired with the environment generated by the backing devices, this little tune envelopes you in a security blanket. The observe tells a narrative concerning the safety of realizing that you’ve somebody to develop previous with it doesn’t matter what life throws at you, “Ooh, I wanna have you ever with me / When days are previous, our seems have pale / If you happen to’re not there, effectively, I’ll be ready.” It’s lovey-dovey in one of the simplest ways, shedding a constructive gentle on the prospect of rising previous with somebody you maintain pricey. Second within the tracklisting is “delirious,” which supplies an auditory 180° flip. With flashy drums and a heavy guitar coupled with Johnson’s hauntingly seductive vocals, this observe in a single phrase is killer. The primary verse introduces a fierce argument in opposition to misogyny with the lyric, “You disengage whenever you see my title, my face, my age” which factors to a really actual expertise that ladies face. All through the music, the message that misogynists are a joke to not be taken significantly and that they need to don’t have any place in energy in society is stamped in what is actually a neon signal. The bridge of this music deserves a highlight because it explains on to the misogynist character of the music why they’re the way in which they’re which concurrently broadcasts the message to listeners.

I’ll say it louder for you
So it will probably actually get by
Your insecurities present nothing however your jealousy
I’ll say it louder for you
So it will probably actually get by
Your insecurities present nothing however your jealousy

Wrapping up the EP are tracks, “don’t depart me behind” and “over now,” which sit back to the overarching theme of affection. “don’t depart me behind” reveals an alternate perspective from “kill you” because it questions the standing of a relationship as one individual within the relationship clearly sees the potential and is fearful of the prospect that the opposite individual could not and would possibly depart. The insecurity that’s represented on this music is wholly relatable, and equally to “kill you” affords a safety blanket to a listener within the sense of displaying them that they aren’t alone on this expertise of wanting reciprocation from somebody. In an entire juxtaposition to “don’t depart me behind” and “kill you” is “over now” because it portrays the top of a relationship. What’s so intelligent about this observe is that the repetition of the lyric “It’s over now” on the finish of the music permits for a launch and a ultimate sense of freedom.

It’s straightforward to say that duality neatly reveals the capabilities of Swim College and signifies that they’ve extra to supply. They managed to specific each anger-driven and comfort-driven themes in a single EP in a means that’s invigorating for any listener, and it’s completely compelling.

:: “Crimson Scorching Mud” – Mirrorball ::

Mitch Mosk, New York

The attract of the open street pulls us in as Mirrorball’s dreamy fourth single will get underway. Independently launched right this moment, “Crimson Scorching Mud” is an escapist fantasy wearing heat reverb, glistening, golden-hued sonics, and dusty vocals stuffed with longing and need. The second single off the Los Angeles-based pop duo’s forthcoming debut EP sees singer/songwriter Alexandra Johnstone and multi-instrumentalist and composer Scott Watson coming to life in a timeless, nostalgic haze.

The Satan is in a darkish place
He’s misplaced all self-control
I’ve gained however I’ve misplaced the entire race
And I’m gonna hit the street

Desert pink fill my lungs
Canyon of goals, fill my weapons

Crimson wine, it’s a thriller
Its Goddamn killer
Let’s journey with the highest down
Shoot stars until they fall down

“‘Crimson Scorching Mud’ was written at a time once I desperately wished to go house however circumstances wouldn’t permit it,” Johnstone tells Atwood Journal. “My coronary heart was working on empty and going again house was the one method to fill it again up once more. ‘Canyon of goals’ refers to the place I grew up in Sierra Madre Canyon. I used to be caught within the coronary heart of Los Angeles, and it began to really feel surreal, unfriendly, like driving down the LA freeway with molten lava the place the asphalt was. Every part is identical, however one thing is completely different, one thing is unfamiliar.”

“I heard Scott taking part in the piano half and I considered the lyric, “The satan is in a darkish place.” To me it was sort of a joke, it’s already the satan, how may the satan be in a darkish place. However that’s how issues felt on the time. I used to be making an attempt to drive some gentle to the floor with this music. I wished to drive out to the desert with the highest down and fly below that pink-hued and finally starry sky that solely exists in that place. If you happen to can’t go house, you possibly can at all times go to the desert. Unusually sufficient, because the music releases, I’m saying my ultimate farewell to my childhood house. It’s like Thomas Wolfe says, ‘You possibly can’t go house once more.’”

Desert pink fill my lungs
Canyon of goals fill my weapons
Don’t have a look at me harmless
As a result of I can’t breathe
Crimson sizzling mud
Crimson sizzling mud

As somebody who loves journey and consistently goals of faraway locations, I can’t assist however play into the fantasy of this music – whether or not my goals are of the desert, the seashore, or the busy streets of London. Mirrorball have tapped a goldmine, and I, for one, can’t wait to listen to the what else they’ve obtained in retailer on their debut EP!

:: “Lavender” – Tim Younger  ::

Joe Beer, Surrey, UK

New York multi-Grammy licensed artist Tim Younger has simply dropped a vibrant new single, “Lavender.” The heartfelt and emotional new music speaks of affection, loss and self-discovery as Younger navigates his means by a tumultuous and surprising breakup. The artist displays the intimacy of the narrative by ethereal synths, private lyrics and a transcendent refrain, as he touches on the blended feelings which accompany the devastation of claiming goodbye to a cherished one.

The title “Lavender” takes its title from the individual that Younger was in a relationship with, and his unhealthy fixation with the actual scent. He shares, ​​”The breakup impressed the music, and simply as I used to be infatuated with him, he had an obsession with lavender. It permeated each facet of his life, from his cologne to his baths and even his alternative of smoke. The scent grew to become inseparable from our shared experiences.” By a second of introspection, this observe is proof that we will come out of a foul state of affairs, higher, happier and stronger than earlier than.

:: “Mommy Points” – Jules Paymer ::

Chloe Robinson, California

A woman who repeatedly finally ends up with damaging males is usually thought to have “daddy points.” Although it’s a widespread stereotype, many occasions our childhood traumas switch over into maturity. Jules Paymer is aware of this effectively and expresses that lingering angst in “Mommy Points.” The relatable alt-rock providing particulars the toxicity with their mom and the partnership that arose as a method to cope. The singer admits, “I used to be seeing a lady who was means too previous for me and was making an attempt to persuade myself that I wished to be together with her. I feel deep down she was truly simply satisfying my messed-up relationship with my mother.” The video provides to the music’s satirical nature, showcasing Paymer in a remedy session as they fantasize about making out with their therapist.

Paymer’s first launch “The Daughter That My Mom Wished” (ft. Miki Ratsula) earned them away,  a lot reward and even Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams posted the music on her Instagram. “Mommy Points” is the follow-up to that acclaimed observe, this time possessing a extra in-your-face grit. That uncooked edge immediately entices listeners.

:: “Declarations of the 3am Freeway” – The Velveteins ::

Joe Beer, Surrey, UK

Canadian five-piece band The Velveteins have unveiled their new single “Declarations of the 3am Freeway.” Effortlessly mixing 60’s psychedelia with explosive indie rock, the result’s one thing which is equal elements infectious and exquisite. Impressed by the solitary realm of a late-night street journey, the observe transports you to the limitless, huge expanse of a freeway. Noting the foggy Pacific Northwest as a catalyst for the sound, lead singer Spencer Morphy shares, “The lyrics are craving, and extra insightful than our previous works. That longing sentiment is relayed completely on the title observe “All of it begins proper now / all of it begins within the automobile on the freeway.”

Bringing collectively components of each the previous and current, the observe enters with shimmering synths, a throbbing bassline and anthemic drums. Morphy’s vocals are smooth, melancholy and hopeful, as he chants concerning the infinite alternatives forward of us. This music is ideal for these hotter summer time evenings, whenever you wish to unwind, sit again and lose your self in a second of introspection.

:: “Laborious Days Are Gone” – Dan San ::

Mitch Mosk, New York

It’s straightforward to listen to John Lennon’s affect shine by Dan San’s “Laborious Days Are Gone.” The lead single off the Belgian indie folks band’s recently-released third album Grand Salon (April 28 by way of Simone Information) is a mild big channeling ’70s musical heat and sonic gentle right into a rousing fashionable reverie.

The ashtray is overflowing
For few days now I haven’t seen the sunshine
Each morning is identical
and I’m afraid I’m gonna die
exhausting days are gone…

“‘Laborious Days Are Gone’ is a music concerning the feeling of not belonging to the world round us and the sensation of loneliness that outcomes from it,” Dan San vocalist and guitarist Jérôme Magnée tells Atwood Journal. “It’s additionally and above all a mantra, a phrase that we repeat to ourselves time and again, a hope that tomorrow might be lovely. Writing it was a sort of a therapeutic course of. I used to be in a psychological stoop and it was, in a form, a message in a bottle to myself. As if I repeated this mantra sufficient, it could get higher.”

“The music manufacturing is impressed by the ’70s classics,” he provides. “We determined to make use of some old style methods within the studio. For instance we used an previous tape recorder to create the delay on the voice after which we despatched it right into a Lesly (which is a wierd amp who rotate and create a really distinctive sound). We used the identical processing on the drums which leads to that blend between very ’70s sounds and fashionable inspirations.”

By no means wished to be a sheep, no
however I by no means wished to be that unusual
The previous days should depart
and I’ll by no means gonna be the identical
exhausting days are gone…

Tender, bittersweet, and unapologetically emotive, “Laborious Days Are Gone” is an indeniable standout on Grand Salon, a document that sees Dan San increasing their sound and pushing their boundaries as they soothe and stir us (take a look at “1994” for a very transferring second of zen). Rock, folks, pop, experimental, and extra coalesce on a singular document that each one however calls for our undivided consideration.

:: “Aesthetics“- Natisa Gogol ::

Chloe Robinson, California

An empowering anthem the place love conquers all, singer/songwriter Natisa Gogol shares her stirring ode to the LGBTQ+ neighborhood, “Aesthetics.” The punchy pop, disco-tinged observe takes the listener by a world the place love transcends injustice. With seductive vocals spilling atop daring, hypnotizing beats, the piece involves life with full vibrancy. The futuristic video is simply as intoxicating. The providing reveals a deep connection between two ladies. The depth of their romance is magnified by sluggish touches set inside a sensual sci-fi environment.

Gogol is a refugee who courageously fled together with her son from her war-torn house in 2022. Now she creates uncooked and emotive music highlighting Ukrainian struggles. This newest launch pays homage to LGBTQ+ as an entire, but in addition these in Russian occupation. Underneath Russian rule they might be additional stripped of their rights. “Aesthetics” is her means of encouraging others to carry out hope.

:: “Kathmandu” – Julia D’Angelo ::

Mitch Mosk, New York

Julia D’Angelo’s first music of the 12 months is the sort of fever dream into which you’ll’t assist however dive headfirst. Launched Could 19, “Kathmandu” is an irresistible, hushed indie pop dream. The Toronto born, Brooklyn-based artist crafts a world of marvel and risk as she sings of slipping “into my made up galaxy” and letting “the view of your stars wash over me.” It’s immediately immersive and superbly eclectic.

By no means been so frightened of the night time sky
By no means been so used to a white lie
This orange burns in my thoughts
5:59, I roll over to the sound of your smooth reply

These covers burn my pores and skin like one million suns
Weighing on my chest like one million tons
I sink into your mattress, crawling out of my head
Shed the final remaining bits of my mendacity lungs

“This music truly began out as a poem that I had written years in the past,” D’Angelo explains. “I used to be seeing somebody on the time whose window noticed essentially the most lovely sunrises I’d ever seen in my life. I bear in mind not with the ability to sleep one night time, and simply staring out the window – trying on the similar dawn that I had seen many occasions earlier than, solely this time feeling immense guilt, as a result of I knew I needed to finish the connection, and I used to be terrified. The primary line of the music, “By no means been so frightened of the night time sky, by no means been so used to a white lie” speaks on to that feeling. What adopted was a journey by my creativeness, from being trapped and held down, to bursting by that window and being – for lack of a greater phrase – free.”

That sense of freedom comes at a price, and there’s no denying the uncooked ache at this music’s core, however greater than something, “Kathmandu” invitations us to indulge in an area of unbridled, electrical marvel.

Slip into my made up galaxy
Let the view of your stars wash over me
Slip into my made up galaxy
I’m trying far past what you see

By no means been so used to this night time sky
By no means been so frightened of this white lie
Press my hand to the moon
Say I’ll be again quickly
And slip by the glass with one final goodbye

:: “Every part” – Hold ::

Mitch Mosk, New York

I didn’t develop up listening to shoegaze – in truth, it wasn’t till a few years in the past that I actually obtained into it, and admittedly I nonetheless haven’t had my “Slowdive” period – however I’d let Hold’s uncooked sounds wash over me any day of the week. The Richmond, Virginia-based various band fashioned ten years in the past, and celebrated their first decade collectively in February with the discharge of Comfortable in Right here, an unapologetic, intoxicating scorched-earth studio album whose marriage of refined and seismic sonics feels directly contemporary, but acquainted. Heavy moments hit with ardour and intense emotion as Hold earn their place within the shoegaze pantheon, filling the airwaves with tense vitality, radiant melodies, and unfiltered (however undoubtedly effected) guitars that rage and roar like impenetrable partitions of sound.

“Comfortable In Right here was recorded over the course of ten days at Earth Analog Studios in Tolono, Illinois,” the band explains. “Nearly all of the album was written within the six months main as much as the recording session, which befell in January of 2022. It’s an album about firmly feeling the passage of time. It’s about eternally trying to find the proper distraction, to no avail. Above all else, it’s concerning the reconciliation between the idealized model of life and actuality.”

If you happen to’re within the temper for one thing extra catchy and palatable to a mainstream viewers, attempt “Dasani Daydream” on for dimension. For straight-up grunge bedlam, head over to songs like “Every part” and “Hand2Hand.” I personally discover myself leaning towards the album’s first two songs, “Can’t You” and “Air,” which, taken collectively, are as stormy as they’re sunny – stuffed with wealthy melody, uncooked emotion, and pure adrenaline.

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:: Weekly Roundup ::

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:: This Week’s Options ::

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:: TRACK-BY-TRACK ::

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