With as much self awareness, identity and depth as they appear to have, I expect them to go far. Having just made their debut in May of 2018 with “I Love You” yet already sporting a well-rounded EP with Folds in Your Clothes, I’m excited to see how Laureline continues to grow. The delicate vocal ability of each member shines most on tracks like “Nothing,” but elegant lyricism and emotionally stirring delivery shine through on all of them. More than anything, their intoxicating vocal harmonies had me wanting more. After a few other listens, though, I was impressed by their carefully calibrated melodies and sweeping soundscapes. I’m a sucker for catchy, ’80s leaning instrumentals and I’ll admit that was what initially drew me into Laureline after hearing “Restless.” Their use of synths, straightforward yet sticky drum machines and a saxophone moment like a tell-tale heart had me hooked. :: Folds in Your Clothes – Laureline :: Alex Killian, Foster City, California I love the directions Smallpools have taken in So Social, and look forward to so many more listens to come! It’s hard to believe “Dreaming” came out over five years ago, but between 2017’s THE SCIENCE OF LETTING GO and 2018’s So Social, Smallpools have proven their staying power with confidence and colorful charisma. Smallpools are getting better and better at telling little stories in their music, and every new song brings more character and depth to their catalog. While the tracks can in theory be connected, they also tell their own stories and exist on their own two feet. Speaking to the band’s focus on quality over quantity, So Social is at its heart a collection of five stellar standalone songs. The dynamic “Social” explodes with an introspective self-reflection on the identity we share with the rest of the world, and who we really are. “ I behave like I’m so social,” cries Sean Scanlon, “ I’ve seen it all before, take me away right now – bow out, save yourself.” It’s an anthem for those who opt to stay in, rather than go out – that evergreen conflict between one’s fear of missing out, and having already been there and done that. Smallpools tap into a level of intimacy and vulnerability I’ve not known them to display in the past, not only on “Stumblin’ Home,” but also across the entirety of their new EP. “Stumblin’ Home” has a heavy warmth to it, with thick bass beats and moody melodies that can’t help but remind me of The 1975 – but it’s the band’s evocative lyrics about connection, uncertainty, and desire that have me hooked. The band’s brand new EP So Social, released today, has been on repeat all afternoon as I’ve explored its five equally exciting, very different songs. Smallpools have remained one of my favorite indie pop bands because of their energy, passion, and focus on quality over quantity – and now, I can add poetry to that list. :: So Social – Smallpools :: Mitch Mosk, New York I’m thankful this last single was released – It’s a wonderful depiction of everything Miller was and was going to be. The inflections he uses in his voice show the effort he has put forth in trying (and succeeding) to be unique, to be one-of-a-kind. His raspy yet refined voice accompanied by the soul of one piano. The depiction of this song to me is Miller at his most authentic self. His early bangers were of course hits, but up to his latest album release and then this final stripped down release – it seemed he was always growing. Mac Miller was taken from us too young, and since his passing, I’ve been listening to his library a lot more than usual. This stripped down version of the late rapper’s “Dunno” highlights the growth and maturity in his vocals and style. :: “Dunno” (Spotify Single) – Mac Miller :: Kelly McCafferty, New Orleans Also, we got this tweet from Jeff Rosenstock. Granted, the song that stuck the most is closer “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes).” It’s the sort of “High and Dry” sounding song that is soothing yet engaging. I also enjoy the embrace of electronic sounds on tracks like “I Like America & America Likes Me” – it’s incoherent, yet enjoyable and artful. I adore the straightforwardness of a single like “Love It If We Made It.” It’s both fun and bouncy, but Matty Healy is intense and yearning in his vocals. It’s an album that can be both intense and gentle. I’ve never been one for The 1975, but with a great album title, this was an album I felt the need to look into ( All the positive feedback helped too.) A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships really drew me in as an outsider into one of the biggest bands in the world. :: A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships – The 1975 :: Jimmy Crowley, New York Every Friday, Atwood Magazine’s staff share what they’ve been listening to that week – a song, an album, an artist – whatever’s been having an impact on them, in the moment.
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