New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Today, Marcus Atom - Chicago-based drummer-turned-vocalist and erstwhile
Gorillaz collaborator - releases his debut record, Love Vs. War. With emphatic command over both voice and song, Marcus reflects openly on the highs and lows of a life pursuing music, unfurling a narrative rife with romance, tragedy and redemption. From artful soul and smooth funk to bawdy boy R&B and beyond - Marcus recounts his life's journey in this earnest, darkly funny, and musically accomplished debut across 13 tracks.
Love Vs. War's chameleonic R&B is indebted to Marcus' musical upbringing amidst both the
Chicago alt-rock boom of the 90s and the city's emergent hip-hop of the 2010s. As a longtime session drummer, Marcus worked with the likes of Doug McBride at Gravity Studios (Fall Out Boy, Veruca Salt), Steve Albini at Electric Audio Studio, and drummer Matt Walker (Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey). It wasn't until producer Twilight Tone (Kanye West, Common) overheard his husky tenor that Marcus was recruited to record on the platinum-selling
Gorillaz album Humanz after hearing his husky tenor. The ensuing exposure and world tour emboldened Marcus as he pursued a new, personal sonic vision.
Love Vs. War is a highly personal manifesto that resounds with both musical and experiential heft. A powerful exploration of what it means to be a man, the recordunpacks toxic familial bonds ("Son Of A Bad Man"), tumultuous love affairs ("Love Vs. War"), and the sobering death of a friend ("Brian's Song") with direct and vulnerable lyricism while also leaving room for romantic dalliances and late nights of debauchery. Marcus recruits collaborators from his extended musical family - including Dally Auston ("
Feels Good"), Rich Jones ("Aye There"), beloved hip-hop duo the Cool Kids ("Real Ones"), and emerging
Vegas MC Scane ("One") - to help flesh out Love Vs. War's unique soundworld. The result: A project that paints a portrait of a young artist coming into his own, defining his values, and realizing his musical potential.
TRACKLIST
Son Of A Bad Man
After Hours
Aye There
One
Lonely
Feels Good
Apostle (Fire)
Love vs. War
Just The Way It Is
Proverbs
Real Ones
Traffic
Brian's Song.
