This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings to you alternative rock tracks, country-rock, 80s rock, and more. The list features Outlaw Cartier, Lyford, Fanny Alexandra, and more.
Outlaw Cartier - lil runaway
Broody and haunting right from the very first note, ‘lil runaway’ by Outlaw Cartier captures the desire to run away and escape from all that is weighing you down. The instrumentation features reverb drenched guitar layers which ground the broody, melancholic tone of the track, and steady percussion patterns that ground and provide rhythm to the track. The song might make you think of artists like EKKSTACY, who have similar haunting, broody textures and tones driving their tracks. Through a restless, urgent rhythm, the song meets the weighty idea of searching and craving for an escape when the world seems to be crushing your back.
Lyford - Does it Matter (Remastered)
A gritty and restrained riff starting off the track, ‘Does it Matter (Remastered)’ by Lyford captures the real, raw, messy, and loud energies of the 80s rock scene. The instrumentation is expressive without being overwhelming – it feels like a real celebration of life and love. Layered guitars that belt out magnetic riffs, steady dynamic drum patterns characterise the track. The guitar solos that come in are a pure treat. The move of the song across sections are shaped by careful and stunning choices in musical arrangement. The vocals reflect the joy in the instrumentation without trying to overshadow it. If you love the chaos and joy of the 80s, then this should be your next go-to track.
Fanny Alexandra - Innocence for Fire
Blending the sound of 2000s rock and 2020s rock scenes, ‘Innocence for Fire’ by Fanny Alexandra is deeply coloured by a raw, tactile energy that will unfailingly pierce your heart. The song brings together grunge energy with emo-rock and punk-rock energies, creating a truly phenomenal effect that is full of tension, grit, vulnerability and honesty. Roaring, emotive guitars clubbed with pounding, thunderous drums characterise the track. What the song manages to do beautifully is the unexpected balance between quiet and loud, because some sections see a stripping down of the dense layers and have a piano coming in and soft vocals to complement that. A stunning powerhouse of emotion and energy, this one deserves a sure listen.
Heddy Edwards - Dreamcast
Putting you on a bandwagon that will have you arrive in a land of nostalgia, ‘Dreamcast’ by Heddy Edwards sees the convergence of a late 90s soft country-rock sound and a 2000s rock scene. The instrumentation sees the playing of lush, dense textures brought in by soft yet powerful guitars, grounding drum patterns that pick up and shed pace as and when the song requires it to do so. Edwards’ vocals are full of emotion and a raw delve into honesty, and come out as shimmering and vibrant. Her vocals might make you think of Dolores O’ Riordan’s vocals, owing to similar kinds of transcendental energies.
Rivermind - Nightlight
Paying allegiance to alternative rock tradition while bringing to it its own touch and flavour, ‘Nightlight’ by Rivermind will embed its rhythms in your mind before you know it. Layers of reverb drenched guitars and interestingly paced guitars come together to create the sonic landscape of the track. The guitar playing in the song is what stands out, with it adopting different personalities and adding to the dynamicity of the track. The song might make you think of 5 Seconds of Summer within the contemporary music scene. Blending relaxing, calm textures with an undoubtable power and grit, this song has everything in it that makes a chart-topping track.
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