Serene in sound but with a spectrum of heartbreak and emotional problems laid bare, a gorgeous and candid third album by the Brighton-based singer-songwriter and produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner with a variety of stellar musicians, including Big Thief’s James Krivchenia, Beirut’s Ben Lanz and Sufjan Stevens collaborator James McAlister. Among the highlights is the powerful The Weeping, one that refers to Atwell’s ASD diagnosis, and her sister’s autism. “I’m a walking open wound/ And I can’t stop the weeping” a lyric that could be unbearable to hear, but such beauty of the song, as a listening experience it’s a bittersweet state in constant suspension. There’s a mix of Julia Jacklin and Lana del Rey about Atwell, a delicious tragedy in every tone. Mental health is a running theme, and weening yourself of anti-depressants a facing emotions is also the focus of the title track: “to wake up and feel everything”. There’s musical strength and consistency throughout the album, but other highlights include Everyone Who’s Not In Love With You Is Wrong, Release Myself, Sylvester, and Something Now, which changes the pace with its rhythmic hums and instrumentation. “Hey it hurts so much – hey I feel something now… guess I’m not numb.” Out on Real Kind Records.
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