Atwood Magazine is thrilled to present our Editor’s Picks column, curated and composed by Editor-in-Chief Mitch Mosk. Each week, Mitch will highlight a selection of songs, albums, and artists that have resonated with him. There's a wealth of remarkable music out there just waiting to be discovered, and all it requires is an open mind and a readiness to listen. Through this column, we aim to illuminate our personal music finds while showcasing a wide variety of new and recent releases.
This week’s selections include Soot Sprite, Black Country, New Road, Spacey Jane, Joan & the Giants, The Ting Tings, and Brandon!
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**“All My Friends Are Depressed” by Soot Sprite**
With a raw, intense, and loud sound, Soot Sprite’s first release of the year serves as an emotional and cathartic explosion: A fever dream for the 21st Century infused with angst and turmoil. Released on February 25th through Specialist Subject, “All My Friends Are Depressed” encapsulates individual struggles, collective trauma, and generational dissatisfaction into a powerful indie rock anthem. The Exeter trio—Elise Cook (lead vocals/guitar), Sean Mariner (bass/backing vocals), and Sam Cother (drums/backing vocals)—make a striking impact, refusing to let hardship, uncertainty, and future anxieties overwhelm them.
The lyrics reflect a struggle with reality and offer advice through the chorus: “Change what you can, what you control. Let the rest wash over you, try not to fold.” For Cook, this song is both personal and political, correlating with the global mental health crisis. She observes its widespread nature and the impact of sociopolitical elements, serving as a reminder to face issues instead of escaping. The song resonates deeply because it expresses a shared generational experience while moving into their new era with the debut album Wield Your Hope Like a Weapon.
**“Besties” by Black Country, New Road**
Every time “Besties” plays, it brings a smile to my face. This heartfelt tribute to friendship, delivered with powerful intensity, marks Black Country, New Road's first single in a three-year gap. Released on January 30th via Ninja Tune, this lead single from their upcoming third studio album signifies the band's artistic growth, as they refuse to confine themselves to any single genre.
Although often labeled "indie rock," the song showcases their exciting return with brilliant harmonies, expressive saxophone passages, and Georgia Ellery’s passionate lead vocal. “Besties” celebrates timeless friendship, reinforcing that the most important connections can weather anything. With their third album, Forever Howlong, set to release on April 4th, the trio’s female members take the helm on songwriting and vocals, offering a fresh perspective.
**“All the Noise” by Spacey Jane**
We all carry unwanted chaos and trauma, burdens which would be easier to release. “It’s all just f***ing noise,” Spacey Jane declares in their first song of the year, encapsulating the cathartic expression desperately needed in 2023. The lead single from their forthcoming album If That Makes Sense (set for May 9th), the Australian four-piece lays bare their internal struggles while striving for emotional liberation.
The energy of “All the Noise” conveys anger not directed at anyone but towards the inability to grasp one’s origins. With feelings of hope woven into tension, the song hints at their growth, promising memorable qualities as they explore deeper elements of their lives in the upcoming album.
**“Still Breathing” by Joan & the Giants**
Joan & the Giants remind us of our unexpected strength when facing challenges with “Still Breathing.” This captivating song explores resilience and acceptance, presenting a heartfelt anthem for those healing from loss and pain. It acknowledges the importance of moving through heartache and finding inner strength.
The song arose naturally during jam sessions, feeling almost divinely inspired. With personal lyrics reflecting on a poignant breakup, it serves as both a farewell to past connections and an affirmation of moving forward. Every performance stirs emotional connections, highlighting the shared experiences of heartbreak and recovery amidst the themes of resilience.
**“Danced on the Wire” by The Ting Tings**
The inviting warmth of “Danced on the Wire” envelops listeners, offering a deep emotional connection. Released in November alongside “Down,” this is the duo's first single in over five years, blending folk influences with rich vocal harmonies and acoustic resonance.
The song addresses the complexities of concluding relationships while exploring the grief emanating from such transitions. The duo’s recent artistic evolution channels nostalgic sounds reminiscent of soft rock influences while showcasing relatable themes of compromise and emotional depth.
**“Right Back” by Brandon**
Brandon's latest single serves as a raw and captivating dialogue with listeners about lost love. Released on
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Selected by Mitch Mosk, this week's Editor's Picks showcases music from Soot Sprite, Black Country, New Road, Spacey Jane, Joan & the Giants, The Ting Tings, and Brandon!