“Leisure” by Mirth of Moon
When he’s not working on his solo project, Mirth of Moon, Jake Thomson is one-third of local favorite Breathers. If you’ve been patiently awaiting a follow-up to the pop outfit’s 2018 album Designed to Break, “Leisure” perfectly encapsulates exactly what Thomson brings to the table in Breathers. Mirth of Moon is all about crafting scarily true-to-form 80s-inspired synth pop. In fact, if you told me “Leisure” was by a one-hit wonder and featured on the soundtrack for a movie like Police Academy or Fast Times at Ridgemont High, I’d emphatically believe you. — Autumn James
“East Atlanta” by Venus Voltage
Bitingly humorous and cleverly shady, Venus Voltage details a romance with a personified version of the titular neighborhood in “East Atlanta.” He doesn’t sound like a bad boyfriend; East Atlanta is generous with his drugs and never makes his girl pay a cover charge. But don’t get too close to Venus Voltage’s man; she gives a clear warning to the shit-talking clout-chasers around East Atlanta Village that she’s no one to trifle with. I’d heed her words—Venus Voltage seems up to the challenge as she delivers every line of “East Atlanta” with astonishingly visceral confidence. — Autumn James
