Every Friday, the team at Atwood Magazine highlights what they’ve been enjoying during the week – a song, an album, an artist – anything that resonates with them at that time.
This week’s compilation includes tracks from Sabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton, Isolated Youth, Aistis, Alejandro Aranda, Annie-Rose Maloney, August James, Bright Light Bright Light & Donna Lewis, MARKETPLACE, Blue Slate, charlieeeee & Phoebe Hall, Dave Curl, Cash & Skye, Lola Wild, Ellie Dixon, Lilly Bedard, and young friend!
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:: “Please Please Please” – Sabrina Carpenter ft. Dolly Parton ::
Bárbara Martínez Campuzano, Mexico
"Please Please Please" invites listeners to embrace its country influences. Released on Valentine’s Day, the deluxe edition of Sabrina Carpenter's latest album, Short ‘n Sweet, features a reimagined version of its second track alongside the iconic Dolly Parton. Beyond its country flair, the song has modified lyrics, removing swear words from lines like "Heartbreak is one thing, my ego’s another, I beg you, don’t embarrass me like the others." Parton explained her choice to omit these words for the sake of her children.
This track is worth a listen not only for its departure from pop to a more country sound but also for the collaboration between these two widely acclaimed artists from different eras, showcasing their vocal prowess in a newly released music video where Parton plays a central role. There's a twist at the video's end that has been the topic of conversation for Carpenter’s fans, especially those familiar with her recent relationship with Barry Keoghan.
:: “Love Locked in a Dark Room” – Isolated Youth ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
Isolated Youth’s inaugural single of the year bursts with a fierce, post-punk intensity, drawing listeners into a raw and emotional soundscape. Released on January 14th, “Love Locked in a Dark Room” is both cathartic and mesmerizing, reflecting the band’s remarkable skills. This track is the lead single from their upcoming debut album, miserere mei (due April 4th), and is characterized by powerful drums and bold guitars, reminiscent of rock giants like Muse and post-punk icons such as The Cure, as vocalist Axel Mårdberg delivers his heartfelt lyrics with dramatic flair and captivating energy.
“‘Love Locked in a Dark Room’ was the first song we wrote for the album Miserere Mei,” states Isolated Youth’s William Mårdberg. “Faris Badwan of The Horrors heard it through a livestream of our performance at the Norrtälje Art Center, a coastal town near our hometown. It provided a fresh perspective for the rest of the album. The song carries a night-time ambiance and an upbeat feel. It features a classic blues rhythm in the verses, culminating in a powerful chorus.”
The lyrics depict a ‘cold, dark, violent night’ and a sense of entrapment, likening it to being submerged underwater while seeking connections that bring clarity and hope. The result is a chillingly romantic and intensely passionate piece. “Love Locked in a Dark Room” makes an immediate impression, positioning Isolated Youth as a band to watch in 2025.
:: Caviar for Seagulls – Aistis ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
Aistis’ Caviar For Seagulls showcases the art of storytelling through folk music, merging grand arrangements with profound reflection. Each song unfolds like a scene from classic cinema, filled with melancholic charm yet driven by a restless quest for clarity. The rich instrumentation – with soaring strings, reflective pedal steel, and bursts of brass – enhances Aistis’ poetic lyrics, infusing weight into his contemplative reflections. This album engages with deep questions, inviting listeners on an intimate and personal expedition. As Aistis revisits memories, his vulnerable yet insightful voice steers through nostalgia, remorse, and hope.
Despite the weight of self-exploration, Caviar For Seagulls finds unexpected optimism within its musings. Tracks like “Rejoice” deliver emotional release, while “86/Dove” pays tribute to Leonard Cohen’s timeless wisdom, embracing acceptance over resistance. Even during self-examination, the album avoids self-indulgence, presenting a compelling portrayal of the human experience through Aistis’ characteristic honesty and wit. Collaborating with Niall Mutter and engineer Gilles Castilloux has resulted in a project that balances expansiveness and intimacy, establishing Aistis as a prominent contemporary folk voice. Caviar For Seagulls illustrates that the most effective storytelling invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences.
:: “Dissonant Harmony” – Alejandro Aranda ::
Rachel Leong, France
Alejandro Aranda has made a comeback under a new moniker
American soul legend Roberta Flack has passed away. The singer experienced a stroke in 2018 and faced several health challenges in the years that followed.
They arrived, they observed, and a few of them triumphed. Last week, the MOBO Awards made a vibrant appearance in Newcastle, taking charge of the Utilita Arena for a glamorous event.
It's rare to see GRAMMY Winners in Camden Town, but this weekend is an exception as New York's Leon Thomas performs at KOKO London for two shows.
The iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan has announced their intentions for a final tour. They have had one of the most legendary careers in rap history.
British producer and electronic musician Joe Thornalley, recognized as Vegyn, has revealed an official reinterpretation of AIR's iconic 1998 debut.
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Almost six months following the initial release of her Grammy Award-winning album, Sabrina Carpenter is back with ‘Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)’ – an extension that explores her hallmark themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience, while providing a new and intricate viewpoint as she maneuvers through her ascending fame.
Atwood's team shares the music they've been enjoying: This week’s selection features Sabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton, Isolated Youth, Aistis, Alejandro Aranda, Annie-Rose Maloney, August James, Bright Light Bright Light & Donna Lewis, MARKETPLACE, Blue Slate, charlieeeee & Phoebe Hall, Dave Curl, Cash & Skye, Lola Wild, Ellie Dixon, Lilly Bedard, and young friend!