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 affect on them, within the second.

This week’s weekly roundup options music by Jelani Aryeh, Holly Humberstone, Sufjan Stevens, Raffaella, Samia, Mikalyn, Beatenberg, Akira Galaxy, Timothy Eerie, The Vaccines, All Day Sucker, Sharl, & Benji’s Palace!

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 observe WEEKLY ROUNDUP on Spotify

:: “Somebody to Maintain You” – Jelani Aryeh ::

Sofia Sar, El Cerrito, CA

One chord. Inside the first seven seconds. That’s all it takes to change into totally engrossed in Jelani Aryeh’s “Somebody to Maintain You.” The fragile strum of the primary chord makes the reverb of every string audible and produces an nearly on the spot feeling of unhappiness, setting the tone for the remainder of the tune.

What begins as your typical indie drum loop accompanied by woozy synths, quickly turns into an emotional enterprise of existence and goal. From his appropriately titled debut album I’ve Acquired Some Residing to Do, that is the observe that maybe finest lives up its venture’s premise. Whilst you may insert any tune from this album within the background of a coming-of-age movie, “Somebody to Maintain You” is the one which embodies rising up and changing into conscious you’re rising up.

Every lyric is reflective in nature, as Aryeh grapples with what he thought he knew and coming to the belief that experiences change views. In going by way of the rising pains, it’s a tune concerning the future simply as a lot as it’s concerning the previous: “Are you afraid of some damaged bone? Or the locations you’ll by no means go, and what you already know.” Aryeh doesn’t supply an answer to processing all these uncertainties however acknowledges that typically all we would like is somebody to carry on to.

:: Paint My Bed room Black – Holly Humberstone ::

Mitch Mosk, New York

Holly Humberstone’s distinctive model of melancholia has by no means felt extra rejuvenating than it does on her debut album: “Right here’s to new horizons,” she sings on the very prime of Paint My Bed room Black, cheers-ing to the daybreak of a daring new period of self-empowerment, liberation, confidence, and catharsis. Already within the midst of a years-long transformation from various singer/songwriter to rising pop star, Humberstone does what she’s lengthy finished finest, letting her music – particularly, her brutally trustworthy, irresistibly catchy, no-holds-barred songwriting – do the speaking for her.

But this time, the whole lot feels turned up a notch. The music is louder; the strain extra palpable; the melodies brighter; the interior reckonings extra visceral. Aching from the within out, Paint My Bed room Black‘s 13 songs emerge out of the shadows with painstaking intimacy, vulnerability, and unfiltered, unapologetic ardour. Ever since 2020’s debut EP Falling Asleep on the Wheel first launched her to the world, Humberstone has been recognized for spilling her coronary heart out by way of poignant, typically breathtaking poetry, baring her soul for all of the see, hear, and really feel. On her first correct full-length album, she sings about human connection, self-expression, and embracing life’s little moments – all of which inevitably falls beneath the overarching umbrella of her personal ongoing coming-of-age quest for goal, understanding, and belonging on this giant and lonely world.

On the core of this album is Humberstone’s heat, seductive voice – a sonically and emotionally charged beacon of uncooked, radiant feeling that inevitably sends shivers down the backbone, glowing with its personal resonant interior mild. Moody, glistening guitars and pulsing drums add compelling contours and extra layers of evocative feeling alongside the best way, maintaining listeners correctly hooked in as Humberstone rises to her highest of highs and sinks right down to her lowest of lows: From the soul-stirring, hovering appeal of “Into Your Room” to the achingly uncooked interior turmoil of “Antichrist” and the whole lot in-between, Paint My Bed room Black earns its viewers’s undivided consideration not by way of brute power, however by way of empathy and connection: That uncooked humanity on the coronary heart of each Holly Humberstone tune.

Finally, this file is a celebration of that uncooked humanity – dwelling not a lot within the darkness, however relatively within the fullness of life itself, as she sings within the album’s title observe: “Lastly, I’m dwelling, not surviving.” There’s little question in my thoughts that Holly Humberstone’s Paint My Bed room Black is the album of the 12 months.

:: “Genuflecting Ghost” – Sufjan Stevens ::

Julia Dzurillay, New Jersey

No one does Pensive Autumn like Sufjan Stevens, as exemplified by October 2023’s indie people album, Javelin. The discharge options 10 tracks, every exploring the darkest corners of affection, loss, grief, and lust with ease.

“This album is devoted to the sunshine of my life, my beloved accomplice and finest good friend Evans Richardson, who handed away in April,” Sufjan Stevens wrote on Instagram. A private favourite is “Genuflecting Ghost,” the place the narrator searches for reassurance of their relationship.

“Now we dance in our disaster,” the songwriter laments. “Ramparts within the sky / That flash with horror / Let’s take these possibilities, no extra amnesty / Nothing else stays as as soon as earlier than.”

After Stevens softly sings, “Give myself as a sacrifice / Genuflecting ghost I kiss no extra,” the observe simply explodes with sounds and emotion. The burst looks like Carrie & Lowell 2.0, with methodical intention connected to this outro. It’s untouchable, actually, and it’s so uniquely Sufjan

:: “Man of Your Desires” – Raffaella ft. Samia ::

Sophie Severs, Boston, MA

The pitch I obtained for this observe had a topic line that learn: “Raffaella + Samia purchased the largest faux boobs the may discover” — so after all, my curiosity was piqued.

Relaxation assured, “Man of Your Desires” is a lot extra than simply boobs — in reality, it isn’t actually about boobs in any respect. The good duo of Raffaella and Samia workforce up on this foolish little ditty to dispense a significant wakeup name to everybody who expects them to be good little angel ladies who can do no mistaken.

“It is a couple of secular metropolis ladies, with an unfounded curiosity for faith, singing as postulants for the holy order that’s the Music Business,” Raffaella shares. “Every thing we are saying is a joke that we take critically; our request that Mom Mary make us funnier and prettier is as unimaginable because the interminable expectations of femininity and all of its falsified beliefs — we’re praying as sincerely as we are attempting. Favors, funding, persistence, forgiveness, humor, magnificence, selflessness… It’s so much to ask for nevertheless it’s additionally one thing that we each really need to have the ability to present. As ladies within the music business, it may well really feel like we’ve to be pretty much as good and as resilient as Jesus Christ — which is okay typically, so long as you can also make enjoyable of the insane requirements with language that’s as hyperbolic as it’s trustworthy.”

In an business so set on controlling and critiquing the feminine physique, Samia and Raffaella battle again by doubling down on these inane expectations of their femininity. With a bombastic sonic panorama and shimmering vocals, the 2 go full girl-core, donning gargantuan faux boobs and dainty flower crowns — oh, you needed them to serve woman? They’ll provide you with extra woman than you requested for within the first place. THIS is the feminine agenda and it’s completely GLORIOUS.

:: “Prisoner” – Mikalyn ::

Joe Beer, Surrey, UK

Canadian indie pop artist Mikalyn has simply dropped her new single “Prisoner” showcasing her storytelling prowess. The observe is a fascinating exploration of the complexities of affection and poisonous relationships. Her ethereal vocals gracefully sparkle brightly over a shimmering soundscape, the place a brooding bassline delivers an emotional ambiance, complementing the observe’s narrative.

Talking of the only, Mikalyn shares, “You recognize it’s not best for you, you realize it’s poisonous, however each you and the opposite individual can’t appear to ever actually go away for good. It touches on dangerous habits in relationships, and the way typically staying with somebody that’s mistaken for you is like placing a bandaid on a bullet gap. You would possibly really feel higher or much less lonely whenever you’re with them, nevertheless it’s a brief repair earlier than you’re reminded that they’re not serving to you develop in any approach.”

Hailing from Ontario, Mikalyn clearly has established the proper recipe for feel-good, youthful and dreamy anthems that pack a punch with their lyrical depth. “Prisoner” is one other instance of simply that, whereas elevating the bar for all future releases.

:: “Eau De Toilette” – Beatenberg ::

Mitch Mosk, New York

Beatenberg’s second tune of the 12 months is (nearly) three minutes of candy, smile-inducing euphoria. With a heat beat and the vocal efficiency to match, “Eau de Toilette” channels the warmth of the solar – and of intimacy itself – because the South African indie pop band experience a second of presence and connection. 

“Eau de Toilette, bathroom water. What can I say?” lead singer Mathew Discipline says. “Sweating – I used to be a bit embarrassed about these lyrics, however perhaps that’s an excellent signal. You may’t at all times be safely in your tower of tune, typically you must come right down to earth to obtain human heat and humiliation. At the least the tune itself is heat and humble.”

I bear in mind you received 6-0 6-1
On that burning summer season day

You sweat the proper of sweat
Combined along with your Eau de Toilette
Not possible to overlook trigger
You sweat the proper

The band’s second single of the 12 months (they launched the mild, harmony-soaked “Don’t Name Her Over to You” in mid-August), “Eau e Toilette” is a fast, superbly charming enchantment. It’s the type of tune you possibly can’t assist however play on repeat as you step outdoors and really feel the solar beating down on you – and whether or not you’re sweating it out within the summertime or all bundled up in a wintry chill, “Eau De Toilette” guarantees so as to add some mild, and a few love, to our lives.

O babe, you giveth and taketh away
Should you’re like God
I’m like a canine
However you like me anyway

You sweat the proper of sweat
Combined along with your Eau de Toilette
Not possible to overlook trigger
You sweat the proper

:: “Silver Sneakers” – Akira Galaxy ::

Isabella Le, Backyard Grove, CA

Akira Galaxy is an artist that lives as much as her interstellar identify in much more methods than one.

Possibly it’s her bejeweled bodysuits, frill-collar attire, or gold-foil skirts — or perhaps, they’re her signature silver footwear.

Mystical, fascinating, and otherworldly, Akira’s newest single, “Silver Sneakers,” is nothing in need of a supernova. An explosive, but elegant, burst of uncooked emotion and songcraft, the dreampop/alt-rock observe embraces existence between the worlds of nostalgia and melancholia. “See, there’s nobody who cas see you want I do / See, there’s nobody who can put on these silver footwear,” she sings, clinging onto fleeting connection and love slipping away. As Akira Galaxy’s smoky timbre floats atop glowing synths and glittery guitars, “Silver Sneakers” weaves a lush sonic tapestry that’s undoubtedly acquainted, but excitingly new.

Alongside the discharge of “Silver Sneakers” got here the announcement of Akira’s debut EP, “What’s In Your Thoughts,” due January 26, 2024; I can hardly wait, to say the least. Maybe the celebs in outer area shine hundreds of thousands of miles away, however with Akira Galaxy being Earth’s personal rising famous person, proper right here has by no means felt extra dazzling.

:: “Toad Venom”- Timothy Eerie ::

Chloe Robinson, California

The final storage rock banger oozing a psychedelic environment, Timothy Eerie’s single “Toad Venom” strikes with on the spot intoxication. The heavy guitars, penetrating percussion and dreamy vocals create the phantasm of being sucked right into a tantalizing journey. Eerie shares, “The title of the tune relies on the venom of the Sonoran desert toad which incorporates 5-MeO-DMT, the strongest psychedelic recognized to man. The lyrics are about having to cope with uncomfortable experiences.” The hallucinatory fashion video options that notorious toad together with different insane animated visuals. It takes viewers on a wild trip you don’t want to come back down from.

Eerie is courageously carving his personal path within the psych style. His daring sonics and edgy but ethereal tone make his items really come to life. Whenever you hear the identify Timothy Eerie your thoughts might wander to Timothy Leary and that’s no accident. Leary was a giant advocate for psychedelics. Watch and hearken to “Toad Venom” and get the excessive with out doing the medication.

:: “Heartbreak Child” – The Vaccines ::

Mitch Mosk, New York

I‘ve listened to numerous love songs over time, and if I’m being fully trustworthy, I don’t suppose I’ve ever heard a tune that’s “in favor” of heartbreak.

That’s, till now. The Vaccines launched their sixth studio album final month with “Heartbreak Child,” an indie rock anthem for hopeless romantic anyplace. And no, this tune isn’t “actually” in favor of heartbreak; relatively, frontman Justin Younger advocates for being susceptible and placing your self on the market – in different phrases, permitting your coronary heart to interrupt, if it should.

“There are two sorts of individuals on the earth – people who have had their coronary heart damaged and people who haven’t had their coronary heart damaged but,” Younger says. “‘Heartbreak Child’ is a name to arms, a reminder that in a world the place too many people really feel too indifferent too typically, going through your emotions head on could make you are feeling extra alive, even when it feels just like the world is ending. It’s a tune to maintain you firm on the busy freeway that connects loss to discovery.”

You heavy hitter
Whenever you cried on the sky, you made it glitter
The moon in your eye
You had been childlike
However you didn’t care
So now you scream it
Saying that is goodbye’ however you don’t imply it
All the time calling your bluff
Why imagine it?
There isn’t the time

However individuals like us suppose we obtained all time on the earth
Let your coronary heart break child
Let your coronary heart break child
‘Til you’re feeling it
Let your coronary heart break child

Smile-inducing and sonically charged, “Heartbreak Child” is the lead single off Decide-Up Stuffed with Pink Carnations, out January 12, 2023 by way of Thirty Tigers. In basic The Vaccines fashion, it’s an lively, emotive eruption crammed with jangling guitars, dramatic drumming, and Younger’s charismatic, searing vocals. The lyric, “let your coronary heart break, child,” has so many layers, and but all we wish to do is sing this and extra strains on the prime of our lungs: Taking a second to dwell not in heartbreak, however within the euphoria of this spirited indie rock revelry.

:: “Bitter”- All Day Sucker ::

Julius Robinson, California

All Day Sucker’s playful observe “Bitter” is a moody depiction of reluctant separation. Lyrics equivalent to “I need you to remain, but when you’ll be that bitter” completely underscore the conflict of conflicting feelings. The classic-rock impressed vocals and backdrop evoke a really feel of Queen and ELO. The dynamic group melds pop, rock and soul on this infectious foot-tapper. “Bitter” is off of their 12-song album “Really feel Higher” set for launch November 12^th. The file explores deep themes of parenthood, divorce and loss.

All Day Sucker is a compelling duo consisting of Morty Coyle and Jordan Summers. The 2 create melodic rock music that’s daring and danceable. Enjoying collectively since Excessive Faculty, Summers and Coyle have grown a large reaching fan base. The pair nonetheless proceed to draw listeners by way of their witty lyrics and cheerful sound. This single shows the identical vivid high quality.

:: “No Different” – Sharl ::

Joe Beer, Surrey, UK

Australian pop artist Sharl, transports you to her fairytale world in her new single “No Different.” Talking of that well-known feeling of being completely head over heels for a sure somebody, the catchy new tune sonically displays that addictive feeling by way of daring brass preparations, a move-inducing beat and mushy, sultry vocals. The accompanying new music video takes listeners right into a Disney princess universe, the place you possibly can see Sharl giving a contemporary contact to the likes of Cinderella, Snow White, Magnificence and the Beast and Sleeping Magnificence.

“No Different” is a style of what to anticipate from the upcoming sophomore album, Clichés, the place the now London primarily based artist explores the that means of affection and the whole lot that it encompasses. Sharl shares, “It’s an exploration of the that means of affection: that it may well take many kinds, which may be seen as clichés, however who’re we to evaluate which side of affection is healthier or extra significant? I wrote the songs reflecting on experiences of affection, as finally I see love because the common human fact and expertise that endures by way of the difficulties that life and the world throws at us.”

:: “I Know, I Don’t” – Benji’s Palace ::

Mitch Mosk, New York

Adulthood shouldn’t imply placing our desires apart in alternate for a gradual job and steady earnings. We solely get one life, and we should spend it in pursuit of our passions – and I do know at the very least one artist who couldn’t agree extra. Wellington, New Zealand’s Ben Gibbons debuted as Benji’s Palace just some years in the past, releasing a debut EP and in 2018 and a standalone single in ’21. He returned earlier this 12 months with “I Know, I Don’t,” a soulful, smoldering tune that charts his personal journey – how he tried to chase “the noble concept of being a ‘good grown-up’ by placing [his] personal needs to the aspect,” solely to search out himself tormented by interior demons consequently. Heaps of aching and uncooked emotion coalesce as he dwells in darkish, visceral depths, reflecting on an untenable state of affairs he ultimately needed to break away from – a selection that led to the place he’s at present:

I used to be off shopping for all my time
Placing on socks simply to make it quiet
That is my afternoon delight
Making me marvel should you’re mine

Ask me how I do know, I don’t
Ask me if I see, however I received’t
Ask me how I do know, I don’t
Ask me if I see, however I received’t

“The primary verse explores how I felt after I moved right into a gross sales place at a boutique audiovisual retailer – I used to be promoting my time and making an attempt to sneak moments for myself wherever I may; my responsible pleasure, my ‘afternoon delight,’” Gibbons explains. “Finally, these little moments of happiness weren’t sufficient, and the refrain explores the addictions I had developed to deal with the day-to-day. ‘Does that really feel significantly better now?’ I’d ask myself. Generally it could.”

Does that really feel significantly better now,
That you’re not alone?
Don’t you are feeling so secure with me,
For I’ll watch you develop?

Does it really feel significantly better now,
That it’ll take its toll?
”I don’t know…”

“The second verse explores a time later in that job the place I began to overcommit myself, pondering that I may produce music for myself and different artists within the evenings and weekends while working a excessive stress job in the course of the day. I used to be on a quick observe to burn-out with a childlike sense that I may do all of it. Finally, one thing snapped inside me and I knew what wanted to be finished. I used to be offended at myself for not having recognized that sooner, and the second refrain reveals that anger in full power. The tune ends in a blissful place, after I lastly give up the job and adopted the dream.”

There I used to be, providing you with my phrase
Giving it without spending a dime should’ve appeared absurd
And I do know you wouldn’t say a phrase
The kid in me is undeterred

Ardour and ache could make for good bedfellows, as they actually do on this tune. Gibbons recorded, produced, and blended “I do know, I don’t” after quitting his full time job as a microphone salesperson at a boutique AV retailer. For him, this observe is a really actual cathartic launch, in addition to a daring step ahead in his artistry and his musical profession. In some ways, it’s a good looking baseline: The inspiration upon which Benji’s Palace will certainly develop and flourish over time, and a method of by no means forgetting the place he got here from and why he’s doing what he does.

Music isn’t only a ardour; it’s a calling, and in “I do know, I don’t,” we hear Gibbons unapologetically chasing his desires.

Does that really feel significantly better now,
That you’re not alone?
Don’t you are feeling so secure with me,
For I’ll watch you develop?

Does it really feel significantly better now,
That it’ll take its toll?
”I don’t know…
Know”

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