As dynamic as it is fresh and feverish, “Choked Out” grooves with its own irresistible strut as M.A.G.S. explores his own innermost depths, addressing “the dichotomy of fear and love” in a colorful, expressive, and easily memorable performance that recalls artists like The Vaccines and The Strokes.

Stream: “Choked Out” – M.A.G.S.

I’ve always been my own worst critic, and it wasn’t until I wrote ‘Choked Out’ that I realized I could be my own biggest fan.

This is energetic, impassioned euphoria in a bottle. A rush of soaring indie rock roars into view on “Choked Out,” the buoyant and brash lead single off M.A.G.S.’ forthcoming sophomore album Say Things That Matter, out August 13 via ONErpm.

Active since the mid 2010s, Los Angeles by-way-of Buffalo artist Elliott Douglas has been tearing down the house with his own eclectic garage-y style for years now. His unapologetic artistry blends a gnarly rock base with alternative, metal, funk, alt-pop, and more influences – all of which come together in an inspiring and dynamic sonic cocktail – and on his new track, M.A.G.S. gets down and dirty in the very best of ways.

Choked Out - M.A.G.S. — Choked Out – M.A.G.S.

Trouble seeps into the blood
Til all the color runs out
Coma takes me by the throat
but I like to get choked out
Feel the love, don’t miss the point,
too scared to ever look down
Beat it up, just beat it up,
until both of us pass out

I don’t wanna love you anymore

As dynamic as it is fresh and feverish, “Choked Out” grooves with its own irresistible strut as Douglas explores his own innermost depths, addressing “the dichotomy of fear and love” in a colorful, expressive, and easily memorable performance that recalls artists like The Vaccines and The Strokes.

I could use you like a drug
Too broke to get my fix
Reaching out to touch yourself
My finger making you sick, hunh
You’re a masterpiece inside a broken shell
I might get down and you might start loving this new hell

“‘Choked Out’ explores the journey of self love and the duality of our internal dialogue,” M.A.G.S. tells Atwood Magazine. “Sometimes the darkest part of the human experience is the constant battle between the truth and what our inner voice tells us. We realize our fears because it’s easier to accept the lies we feed ourselves, rather than standing up and trying to change our way of thinking.”

He continues, “This entire album is sort of a window into my personal growth throughout the last three years. During that time I discovered that for most of my life I’ve always had a pretty negative outlook on myself overall, telling myself that all my friends secretly hate me and I’m not good enough at music or whatever. ‘Choked Out’ came to me during the “self-validating” part of my journey, there was a point where I realized I couldn’t spend any more time invalidating myself just because I couldn’t see past my current situation. I’ve always been my own worst critic, and it wasn’t until I wrote ‘Choked Out’ that I realized I could be my own biggest fan.”

Coming out of a period of personal turbulence, “Choked Out” beams as a thrilling source of strength and a beacon of light. It’s a colorful, riveting rush, and one that leaves us ready to soak up every minute of M.A.G.S.’ upcoming record.

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