Marcus Atom Warns A Lover Of A Sordid Past On Funk-Noir Single “Son Of A Bad Man”

LISTEN HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shmxdkqVAsQ

Today, Marcus Atom releases “Son Of A Bad Man,” the third single off of his debut solo record, Love vs. War (out September 21). “Son Of A Bad Man” is expressive neo-soul — quaking bass, wah guitar, shivering vocals — that begins with an apology. As horns pierce through the slinky groove, Marcus sets the stakes. Fearing he is prone to his family’s toxic cycles, he warns a prospective lover: “I’m just a product of my father / some things never change.”

Listen to Atom’s contemplative funk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shmxdkqVAsQ

As the lead track off Love vs. War, “Son Of A Bad Man” acts as an overture for the record, setting the stage for a set spent documenting the misadventures of a man searching for a sense of purpose, responsibility, and identity. Friends die (“Brian’s Song”), relationships fall apart (the soulful tell-off “One”), and priorities shift (“Just The Way It Is”) as Marcus tries to define who he is as a man — and how he is greater than his own misdeeds and shortcomings. It’s a powerful, vulnerable statement delivered over unrelenting grooves that sets Marcus apart.

A longtime session drummer, it wasn’t until producer Twilight Tone (Kanye West, Common) discovered his vocal prowess that Atom was recruited for Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz project and joined the group for their Humanz tour. Now, withLove vs. War, Marcus finally steps out on his own, pursuing honesty within lyrics that inject a dark sense of humor into otherwise earnest reflections on overcoming bad habits and growing into oneself. 

Marcus recently previewed the record’s enigmatic concoction of timeless soul, alternative rock, and futuristic pop on Audiotree Live. Listen as Atom’s alternately velvety and husky tenor shines atop the snapping percussion and delirious funk of his backing band here: https://audiotree.tv/session/marcus-atom?rq=marcus%20atom