Every Friday, the team at Atwood Magazine shares their weekly music discoveries—be it a song, album, or artist that has resonated with them recently.
This week’s compilation includes tracks from Not for Radio, Quiet Houses, bloodsports, Mary Hatley, Khamari, Mindchatter, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Rett Smith, Low Girl, ANASTÁZIE, Jordana Bryant, ALIE, Craig Finn, sleepazoid, Samuel Taylor, Molly Stone, Coline Creuzot, Alma Muñeca, Fairhazel, Aliza Li, Bettina, and Sophia Stel!
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:: “Vueltas” – Not For Radio ::
Julia Dzurillay, New Jersey
For years, Julia Dzurillay collaborated with indie alternative band The Marías, known for hits like “No One Noticed” and “Cariño,” before launching her solo project, Not for Radio. While reminiscent of The Marías’ sound, there’s a distinctly raw and unfinished quality to her new album, Melt. Drawing inspiration from Radiohead and Cigarettes After Sex, some liken it to Portishead, especially the track “Vueltas,” which blends bossa nova and bolero, capturing a wistful essence.
:: “mark/james” – Quiet Houses ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
Quiet Houses encapsulate the intoxicating energy of a night out in London with “mark/james,” a vibrant indie pop anthem. The lively guitar riffs intertwine with dynamic drums and Hannah Elliott’s captivating vocals, creating a sound that is flirty and alive. This track serves as a tribute to those navigating love in London, reflecting on their own experiences while writing it in their flat over summer during a busy work schedule. The energetic production coupled with meaningful lyrics makes “mark/james” a celebration of bold, modern romance.
:: Anything Can Be A Hammer – bloodsports ::
Will Yarbrough, Philadelphia, PA
Rooted in the legacy of indie rock, bloodsports are making their mark with their debut album, Anything Can Be A Hammer. While firmly a guitar band, they experiment with fresh sounds, hinting at their influences without being constrained by them. The title track explores themes with a playful touch, creating a bridge between the past and present of indie music. The album’s blend of nostalgia and innovation showcases their potential in the evolving scene.
:: The Poison I Choose – Mary Hatley ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
Mary Hatley’s debut album, The Poison I Choose, showcases her skill for songwriting with raw honesty. Drawing from Memphis’ rich musical heritage, Hatley combines genres like blues, country, and pop to convey personal narratives filled with emotional depth. Each track serves as a confession, illustrating a range of experiences from vulnerability to empowerment, culminating in a powerful examination of love’s complexities.
:: “Lonely in the Jungle” – Khamari ::
Miranda Urbanczyk, Michigan
In “Lonely in the Jungle,” Khamari expresses feelings of doubt and longing. Featured on his emotionally charged sophomore album, To Dry a Tear, the song poses existential questions to God amid silence, turning personal struggle into a relatable anthem of seeking answers in despair.
:: Inner Democracy EP – Mindchatter ::
Ashley Littlefield, California
Released on World Mental Health Day, Inner Democracy EP from Mindchatter blends electronic sounds with thematic depth, guiding listeners towards mental peace. The project reflects his growth as an artist since 2019, with a cohesive narrative that explores emotional healing. Each track varies in its sonic landscape, providing a layered listening experience that resonates with themes of resilience and introspection.
:: “Manny’s Ready to Roll” – Psychedelic Porn Crumpets ::
Danny Vagnoni, Philadelphia
With “Manny’s Ready to Roll,” Psychedelic Porn Crumpets showcase their signature psychedelic rock style. The track offers a blend of energetic riffs and nuanced instrumentation that demonstrates the band’s evolving sound, continuing from their past releases while exploring new depths.
:: A Physical Persistence – Rett Smith ::
Rachel Leong, France
Rett Smith’s fifth studio album, A Physical Persistence, dives deep into themes of vulnerability and emotion through an unrefined rock sound. Crafted entirely with analog equipment, Smith’s hands-on production approach adds an intimate layer to the storytelling, revealing a level of raw authenticity in his music.
:: “Handbrake” – Low Girl ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
“Handbrake” by Low Girl captures a haunting sense of urgency wrapped in dreamy soundscapes. The song reflects on themes of guilt and the need for progress in life, showcasing the band’s exploration of emotional depth as they prepare to release their debut album.
:: “Kiss & Let Go” – ANASTÁZIE ::
Danielle
The team at Atwood reveals their current music favorites: This week's selection features Not for Radio, Quiet Houses, bloodsports, Mary Hatley, Khamari, Mindchatter, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Rett Smith, Low Girl, ANASTÁZIE, Jordana Bryant, ALIE, Craig Finn, sleepazoid, Samuel Taylor, Molly Stone, Coline Creuzot, Alma Muñeca, Fairhazel, Aliza Li, Bettina, and Sophia Stel!