These LITM Rock Picks come to you from artists like Reptyle, Luigi Neighbours, Áyal and more, encompassing rock in all its forms.
1. Reptyle – Spectre Of Decline
Spectre Of Decline begins Reptyle’s intense goth-rock album, Blazed Shades & Thorned Veils, and what an opener it is. Opening with an eerie atmosphere that puts you in the mood for what is to come, it evolves into a medley of jangly guitars and growly, yet clear vocals. Hazy backgrounds and progressions set a chilling tone that’s both introspective and authentic, while showcasing Reptyle’s musical prowess and experience, of which they have considerable amounts, Blazed Shades & Thorned Veils being their fifth full-length album; the mature sound on this song isn’t an accident – it’s earned, and it shows.
2. Luigi Neighbours – Thank You
Luigi Neighbours’ Thank You is a heartfelt tribute dedicated to his late dog; in such songs, it’s difficult to convey true sincerity without sounding artificial, but Neighbours does it exceedingly well. Its beauty lies in how well it navigates the lines between addressing an experience so specific, while also being universal enough to apply to anyone, whether about a pet, a friend, a family member, or anyone else. “Thank you for being so much more than I deserved / for making me smile when I was close to tears,” he sings, and you’ll be hit by a feeling that’s both gut-wrenching and heartwarming at the same time.
3. Áyal – Pixelated Perfidy
Áyal’s Pixelated Perfidy is a soaring, cinematic track, full of emotion. The vocals are lush and rich, almost operatically so, calling out lyrics like “Moonlight wanes as I drown in delusion / I wanted love, but all I found were contusions,” creating a foreboding atmosphere. By the time the chorus hits, Áyal has managed to lull you into a false sense of predictability, and then the song is flipped over with pop-rock drumming and electrifying guitars. The song is in a constant push-and-pull with tension – building it up and releasing it – of possibility, of tiredness, and of longing. Listen here!
4. Oliver Pinder – lonely together
From Oliver Pinder’s EP love of my life, comes lonely together, a comforting, high-energy track that feels like a warm hug, like solo sunset drives. It dances gracefully between the sadness of being by yourself while it seems like your friends are “out, all the time” and the odd comfort that comes in knowing that, despite how it may seem, “we’re all lonely together.” It’s uplifting in all ways – whether the upbeat instrumentals, the vocals that are trying just hard enough, or the theme and lyrics in themselves. It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of loving your company, but equally the importance of community – after all, “no one’s lonely forever”!
5. Fernando’s Eyes – Higher Ground
The idea of a separate album release of bonus tracks and remixes is almost obsolete in this era of no spatial constraints; so, by releasing such an album, Fernando’s Eyes takes us back to a different time, and Higher Ground is a sonic throwback to such times, too. Filled with synths, reverberation, and a psychedelic, almost dark sound that puts you in a hypnotic state, it’s the kind of music you let wash over you as you get lost in your own mind. It’s music in flow state, and its harmonies and alluring patterns will stay with you for a while.
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