Every Friday, the staff of Atwood Magazine shares their current musical highlights, whether it be a song, album, or artist that has resonated with them.
This week's compilation includes tunes from The Head and the Heart, Cloth, Olivia Reid, Aaron Taylor, Burry, Andy Tongren, Abbie Callahan, Asha McLean, Rei, Sleep Token, Adventure Lost, Wynona, Kevian Kraemer, Michael Isaak, Mel Denisse, Sid Dorey, L’objectif, Tough Cookie, Loren Heat, Sports Team, Brandes, Kindelan, Marsha Swanson, and Tash Blake!
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:: Aperture – The Head and the Heart ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
Tune in and embrace everything this life presents: the good, the bad, the joy, the pain, and the love. I’ll delve deeper into The Head and the Heart’s sixth studio album in due time, but for now, I want to say this: Fifteen years into their celebrated journey, their folk-infused music remains vibrant, enjoyable, and deeply insightful. Released on May 9th via Verve Forecast, Aperture is described by band member Matty Gervais as “an invitation to awaken to the present moment, appreciating its beauty and struggles, joys and sorrows, and the vastness of existence.” This translates into rich harmonies, vibrant melodies, thoughtful lyrics, invigorating instrumentals, and instantly catchy singalong moments, delivered with the dedication and strength of seasoned artists who continuously draw inspiration from their experiences and surroundings.
Aperture’s diversity is particularly impressive: Tracks like “After the Setting Sun,” “Time With My Sins,” and “Arrow” explore personal reflections on identity and purpose within a familiar soundscape, while the band also ventures into new musical territories and themes. A standout track, “Cop Car,” features Jonathan Russell’s raw vocals as he expresses fear and anger from the back of a police cruiser: “I’m riding in a cop car tonight, looking outside as the blinks go by, wondering how we gonna die.” The band brings forth empathy and humanity for those disregarded by society, executing it with grace and intensity.
Yet, this is just a glimpse of what Aperture offers: From the haunting beauty of “Pool Break” and the uplifting "Jubilee" to the feel-good classic “Fire Escape” and the optimistic “Beg, Steal, Borrow,” The Head and the Heart’s sixth album stands out as a thoughtful, impactful addition to the 2025 music scene. According to Matty Gervais, “Aperture symbolizes the choice we face—succumbing to darkness or choosing to let in light and recognize our ability to make that choice.” He connects this idea to a broader cultural debate between authoritarianism and democracy, ignorance and enlightenment. Every song confronts similar struggles, urging a recurring choice for hope, no matter how often it feels lost.
In staying true to their name, The Head and the Heart has once again blended intellect and emotion to create one of the year's best albums—a vibrant folk rock exploration of our shared humanity infused with passion, resilience, vulnerability, and, predominantly, hope.
:: Pink Silence – Cloth ::
Will Yarbrough, Philadelphia, PA
In the indie rock realm, Cloth stands out for their close-knit synergy. The Glasgow duo, siblings Rachael and Paul Swinton, continue to refine their minimalist style, a blend of softness and starkness. Their latest release, Pink Silence, showcases a broadening of their musical scope influenced by personal loss.
Cloth's recordings remain intentionally restrained. Paul delicately plucks at his guitar, while Rachael's voice is so close to the mic that it almost whispers, her delivery lingering as if recalling a faded dream. Following a notable recognition in Scotland, producer Ali Chant encouraged them to break free from their self-imposed limitations. Pink Silence features livelier tempos and intricate textures, enriched by the contributions of seasoned musicians.
Canadian violinist Owen Pallet brings significant depth to the project, particularly in “Burn,” where his strings create a haunting atmosphere. Rachael’s exhaustion seeps through her earnest lyrics, creating an emotional tension that elevates the track.
The narratives within Pink Silence alternate between dusk and dawn, illustrating both fading friendships and the troubled psyche of fast-paced scenarios. “Burn” reflects a peak moment, touching on endurance and the drive for connection amid self-imposed pressure. This ranges from acoustic subtleties to striking electric guitar tones, crafting a richly layered experience that resonates deeply.
:: “Space to Roam” – Olivia Reid ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
“Space to Roam” by Olivia Reid feels less like a typical song and more like a gentle release. From its very first note, it envelops the listener like the soft morning fog—
Sunlit and victorious, ‘Everything Must Make Sense,’ the newest release from The Sherlocks, is their most impressive collection to date. Their fifth
Laufey is set to launch her new album 'A Matter Of Time' on August 22nd. The Chinese-Icelandic musician has led a resurgence of interest in traditional jazz, with
French artist Jehnny Beth is set to release her new album, 'You Heartbreaker, You,' on August 29th. A genuine multi-disciplinary talent, Jehnny Beth was at the forefront of the band Savages to
Keo is set to launch their debut EP 'Siren' on June 19th. The London-based quartet made a memorable first impression with their debut single 'I Lied, Amber', which promises to be a future classic.
At the beginning of the year, the LA trio Your Grandparents revealed their new album, marking their first release under the 'art-driven, development-driven' label drink sum wtr.
Over 20 years after they first performed together, Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan are reintroducing their unique mix of angst, attitude, and catchy melodies with "Young & Dumb." This song is a celebration of friendship, youth, and the enduring spirit of the early 2000s pop-punk era, providing a powerful reminder that certain things, such as memorable hooks and strong connections, are timeless.
The Atwood team has shared the music they have been enjoying: This week's collection features The Head and the Heart, Cloth, Olivia Reid, Aaron Taylor, Burry, Andy Tongren, Abbie Callahan, Asha Mclean, Rei, Adventure Lost, Wynona, Kevian Kraemer, Michael Isaak, Mel Denisse, Sid Dorey, Tough Cookie, Loren Heat, Sports Team, Brandes, Kindelan, Marsha Swanson, and Tash Blake!