Marcus Atom Relishes The Allure Of Infidelity On “Feels Good”

“Even though you both understand what you’re doing is wrong, the freshness of this new found fling is too much to turn away from…let alone stop thinking about.”

Today, Chicago-based R&B singer-songwriter Marcus Atom releases “Feels Good,” the second single release off his upcoming solo debut, Love vs. War. Featuring Save Money crew member Dally Auston, “Feels Good” remolds bawdy boy band R&B into a more adult, sinister narrative on infidelity. Atop swaggering horns and Latin percussion, Atom sings of a dangerously inviting love affair — a narrator who knows his hedonism could blow up on him at any moment.

Says Marcus: “It’s about that feeling you get when you’ve met someone new and they strike feelings in you that you’ve been lacking or haven’t felt in some time. Even though you both understand what you’re doing is wrong, the freshness of this new found fling is too much to turn away from…let alone stop thinking about.”

Listen to “Feels Good” here: https://youtu.be/gRirskbDb28 

“Feels Good” is a moment of calculated carelessness amidst the record’s overarching sincerity. A powerful exploration of what it means to be a man, Love vs. War reflects on toxic familial bonds, tumultuous love affairs, lofty career aspirations, and the sobering death of a friend with direct and raw lyricism. “I want to bring awareness to the current perception on masculinity and mental health,” Marcus says, “as well as provide a light and respite experience for someone in need.” 

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 the Humanz tour. Now, with Love vs. War Marcus finally steps out on his own, pursuing honesty within his lyrics and sharing an enigmatic concoction of timeless soul, alternative rock, and futuristic pop that injects a dark sense of humor into otherwise earnest reflections on overcoming bad habits and growing into oneself. 

While lyrically it’s a highly personal manifesto, Love Vs. War’s adventurous production was built with the help of Marcus’s extended musical family. Alongside Dally Auston on “Feels Good,” the record features collaborations with Rich Jones (“Aye There”), beloved hip-hop duo the Cool Kids (“Real Ones”), and emerging Vegas MC Scane (“One”). 

Lead single “Lonely” explores romantic anhedonia with delicate and downcast funk, listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCIchOzfHL4