Every Friday, the staff at Atwood Magazine reveal what they have been listening to throughout the week—be it a song, album, or artist—whatever has resonated with them at the moment.
This week's collection includes music from Ethan Regan, St. Lucia, Boy Jr., CLIFFS, Orchards, The Spins, FPA, Marketplace, Juell, Naz Hejaz, Wax Owls, kylekelly, Foreign Love Language, tinvis, The Indestructible Water Bear, Dogviolet, Tom Nethersole, A.D.A.M. MUSIC PROJECT, HWIN, easyclear, joy burklund & her band, Natisa Gogol, matty co., Gus White, and Freak Slug!
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:: “spaceman” – Ethan Regan ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
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:: Fata Morgana: Dawn – St. Lucia ::
Josh Weiner, Washington DC
Last year, my introduction to St. Lucia began with their individual singles—starting with “Love You Better” in April, followed by “Falling Asleep” in September. Now, it’s exciting to see them release their fifth full-length album, Fata Morgana: Dawn.
St. Lucia, made up of married couple Jean-Philip Grobler and Patti Baranek who live in Germany, has been creating music together for over fifteen years. They describe their latest album as “possibly the most epic thing we’ve ever made.” Like Satchel Paige said, it’s not bragging if you can back it up—Fata Morgana opens strongly with the psychedelic track “Something’s In The Way,” quickly followed by the energetic instrumental embellishments in “Falling Asleep.” The second half features the stadium-ready “Rolling Man” and the expansive eight-minute piece “Going to Space.” By the time it concludes after 44 exhilarating minutes, the “epic” label is well-deserved.
The band has spent over five years crafting Fata Morgana: Dawn, conceptualizing it in 2019, refining it during the lockdown, and finally reaching their vision through multiple revisions, including a more pronounced use of string arrangements than initially planned. “This record is definitely something new for us, and we hope you’ll join us on this journey,” Grobler shares. Date music fans—this is one bus you want to hop on.
:: “Zitty Stardust” – BOY JR. ::
Julius Robinson, California
There’s nothing quite as remarkable as finally feeling like your true self, something we often take for granted. Boy Jr.’s single “Zitty Stardust” captures the joy of transitioning. Lyrics such as, “I’m gaining weight and I’m getting acne/ It’s unpredictable but I’m so happy/ I sound a little different/ I smell a little weird/ I’m so excited for it – do you know how good it feels/ To wake up in a body finally feeling like it’s yours,” express the elation associated with this change, embracing new experiences. The vibrant visuals convey that happiness beautifully.
BOY JR. is led by Ariel Allen-Lubman, merging electronic, pop, indie, and punk influences with engaging songwriting and polished production. Their upcoming album, I Love Getting Dumped! (scheduled for release in October 2024), invites listeners on an adrenaline-fueled journey through themes of heartbreak, humor, and personal development. “Zitty Stardust” is a lively electro-pop track that embodies their significant growth.
:: “Easy Way Out” – CLIFFS ::
Chloe Robinson, California
The Midwest alternative rock band CLIFFS presents their haunting new ballad, “Easy Way Out.” The song melds atmospheric, dreamlike melodies with raw lyrical themes about death and suffering, resulting in a sound that's both emotionally stirring and enchanting. The warm, passionate vocals, steady drumming, and shimmering guitars create pure magic. Recorded in Nashville with accomplished producers Tom Bukovac and Mills Logan, “Easy Way Out” marks a notable shift for CLIFFS, being their first release not self-produced. The ethereal, nocturnal vibe of the track sharply contrasts with its weighty subject matter, enhancing the song's appeal and emotional depth.
Five individuals from five different towns separated by hundreds of miles may not seem a winning combination, but the Midwest group proves otherwise. The four-piece blends indie and alt rock in a fresh yet nostalgic manner, paying homage to the music that inspires them—a contemporary twist on alt and indie rock that shaped previous generations. CLIFFS’ lyrics resonate with anyone who has faced the complexities of being human. “Easy Way Out” delivers a powerful impact as well.
:: Bicker – Orchards ::
Will Yarbrough, Philadelphia, PA
Orchards have had their share
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The team at Atwood has compiled a list of music they've been enjoying lately. This week's selection features Ethan Regan, St. Lucia, Boy Jr., CLIFFS, Orchards, The Spins, FPA, Marketplace, Juell, Naz Hejaz, Wax Owls, kylekelly, Foreign Love Language, tinvis, The Indestructible Water Bear, Dogviolet, Tom Nethersole, A.D.A.M. MUSIC PROJECT, HWIN, easyclear, joy burklund & her band, Natisa Gogol, matty co., Gus White, and Freak Slug!