If you haven’t heard of Atlus already, through TikTok, and underground billion on-demand streams or performing alongside Jellyroll at a sold-out Red Rocks Amphitheatre show in Atlus’ home state of Colorado, then you might need a sit down for the raw, no-holds barred storytelling that is shared on his debut EP, ‘Secondhand Smoke,' released with BBR/BMG Nashville. The gravel vocals and the beautiful melodies are worth the half an hour sit down in a quiet room that these powerful songs need.
It's fascinating how an artist with multiple albums – some hitting twenty tracks – has released a debut EP of just six songs, almost like the record label needs to test the stability of the dirt track with the mainstream audience. People will either love Atlus – non Titan/non Japanese video game name Sean Haywood – or they won’t but either way they can’t question the authenticity of the lyrics or the music from the Denver former truck driver who has been writing songs since childhood.
Title track, ‘Secondhand Smoke’, starts as it means to go on, with a unique Mother-Son moment and music that will draw you in closer to hear the story of a relatable life for many across the United States, echoed by the line, “least of my worries was secondhand smoke”.
The ‘Devil Ain’t Done’ brings in a film-worthy struggle, building on the gritty voice that will translate well to a rock audience. The upbeat music contrasts sharply with the depth of the lyrics.
Real life meets love on ‘IOD on YOU’ one of the EP’s stronger tracks, wielding a soft piano with an ethereal echo to the backdrop of his family’s addictions and how these mirror the sensations of being in love. The severity of the images are softened with a gentle driving rhythm that pulls the listener along; there’s no hiding of a past in this song.
The ballad ‘Art of Letting Go’ showcases the power of Atlus’ vocal range and lyrical depth – the pain of losing a parent is evident throughout and this song signifies a maturing artist who has lived and is ready for the next moments heading his way.
The raw experiences are back on ‘Baby Momma’, a reflection on the impact his Mum’s difficult life had on him, giving him the life that she wanted, demonstrating a strength that he was taught through love. These emotions reverberate on closing track ‘Break Me First’ as Atlus steps cautiously, honestly into the light, brave enough to step into love yet realistic enough to know that it could go haywire.
As music fans we search for authenticity in every new album, rejoicing when we find an artist who shares their truths within a heart-altering sound; ‘Secondhand Smoke' is the introductory EP, easing listeners into the reality of a life and already making us eager for a full album.
If you’re a fan of the music and storytelling of Jackson Dean, Kip Moore, Hardy and Jellyroll then you’ll love discovering the talent that Atlus has given us a taste of with the six, coherent, honest tracks.
Track Listing: 1. Secondhand Smoke 2. Devil Ain’t Done 3. IOD on YOU 4. Art of Letting Go 5. Baby Momma 6. Break Me First Record label: BBR/BMG Nashville Release date: 10th October 2025 Buy the album here
