Every Friday, the staff at Atwood Magazine shares their weekly listening picks—a song, album, or artist that has made an impression on them at the moment. This week's roundup includes tracks from Justin Bieber, Petey USA, Of Monsters and Men, D’Lourdes, James Vickery, Casii Stephan & Damion Shade, Charlotte Lawrence, Ben Hazlewood, Arcy Drive, Elias Hix, The Marches, Monterey J & Southsidefinn, Xin Liu, Joey Miceli & LEXXE, Chechii, Speedrun, Selve, Sophie May, Mya Angelique, The Wild Things, Firebug, ANDRO, Arts Fishing Club, Lucy Lane, and Fenno Street Jazz!
:: “DAISIES” – Justin Bieber ::
Mitch Mosk in Beacon, New York
The gentle, warm guitar caught my attention first, unmistakably infused with mk.gee’s magic touch. That was all it took for “DAISIES” to ensnare me. Justin Bieber’s voice follows shortly after—raw and unfiltered—creating an intimate atmosphere, as if we were alone in a small room together (with mk.gee at the door). Though I’ve never said I’m a Belieber, this song could change my mind. “DAISIES,” the second track from Bieber’s unexpected album SWAG, is infused with his signature vulnerability—an unguarded passion that feels both deeply personal and visceral. He sings about “countin’ the days ‘til I can see you again” over a dreamy, downtempo backdrop filled with longing and restraint. In the shadows, it feels like mk.gee (Michael Todd Gordon) is crafting a hazy atmosphere that only he can create. The lyrics balance between hope and heartbreak, with Bieber tossing petals and blowing kisses into an unknown that might or might not reciprocate. “If it ain’t right, babe, I’ll respect it / But if you need time, take your time / Honey, I get it, I get it, I get it.” This blend of yearning and emotional maturity gives “DAISIES” its staying power: it’s not just longing; it’s growth. Centered around fatherhood, love, and self-reflection, this song feels like a gentle thesis statement—tender, textured, and easy to lose oneself in, just as the love it depicts.
:: The Yips – Petey USA ::
Mitch Mosk in Beacon, New York
I saw Petey USA in a raw and endearing co-headline performance with Medium Build at Levon Helm Studios this past spring, which has been on my mind ever since. His performance felt like a real-time inner monologue, oscillating between chaos and grounding. That same spirit resonates throughout “The Yips,” the frantic and darkly humorous title track from his new album. It’s an album that feels like a lifeline to anyone who has ever felt slightly too human to function. Petey laments, “I’ve got the yips, read my lips, I used to run this town, then I got sick… Could someone rub some mud over my eyes?” as glitchy synths and Gary Numan-inspired grooves set the stage. The song captures paranoia and self-deprecation, serving as a barstool therapy session with a sax solo floating through the air. Overall, it serves as a thesis for the album as Petey offers a self-aware shrug while simultaneously pleading for help. Produced by Chris Walla, The Yips is Petey USA’s most eclectic and emotionally ambitious work, yet it feels grounded. Through tracks like “The Milkman,” “Breathing the Same Air,” and “Model Train Town,” he paints a communal portrait of real moments. As Petey states, “I’m just singing about being there for your friends.” However, these tracks delve deeper—highlighting the importance of being there for oneself, too, even without a roadmap. When Petey cries out, “I want to quit,” before adding, “I swear I won’t pass it on to my kids,” it hits hard. The anxiety is generational, as is the hope. In this way, The Yips transcends mere music; it becomes a mission statement, a coping mechanism, and a group hug disguised as a concept album. Petey USA may very well be the voice of a generation marked by critical self-awareness and a determination to carry on.
:: “Television Love” – Of Monsters and Men ::
Nicolle Knapová in Czechia
Of Monsters and Men have made a stunning return after a five-year hiatus. From the very first beat, it was clear that this comeback was worth the wait. Ragnar Þórhallsson and Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir describe “Television Love” as a conversation across time, executed beautifully. This track grabs you fiercely but positively. It’s evident that whatever
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The Atwood team shares the music they’ve been enjoying: This week's collection features Justin Bieber, Petey USA, Of Monsters and Men, D'Lourdes, James Vickery, Casii Stephan & Damion Shade, Charlotte Lawrence, Ben Hazlewood, Arcy Drive, Elias Hix, The Marches, Monterey J & Southsidefinn, Xin Liu, Joey Miceli & LEXXE, Chechii, Speedrun, Selve, Sophie May, Mya Angelique, The Wild Things, Firebug, ANDRO, Arts Fishing Club, Lucy Lane, & Fenno Street Jazz!