Delicate and subtle, these LITM Pop Picks come to you from Mark Andrew Hansen, Rebloom Music, Finlay Birch, and more!
1. Mark Andrew Hansen – Some Say There’s No God
Mark Andrew Hansen has already established a sonic identity as an artist who prioritises simplicity and warmth, and Some Say There’s No God is no different. On this thoughtful track, Hansen delicately handles reflection on not just the presence or absence of god, but also on various perspectives on the same – inviting you to introspect with him, while never rejecting any school of thought. Grounded by piano and clear vocals, the track is deep without becoming preachy, and concludes that no matter what, retaining our humanity in the face of crises in the world is what’s truly important. Listen here!
2. Rebloom Music – Water on the Fire
From its very title, Water on the Fire is built on the contrast between clashing forces to create something that’s full of power and tension. On first listen, it may sound delicate, but you soon realise that this gentle sound and controlled pacing lead to a pull that’s almost trance-like; restraint is what makes this track, allowing every single detail to sound intentional. The song is also arranged and produced with clear skill – each layer floats around the other, with no one element overpowering any other, creating a cohesive sound that sucks you in, and before you know it, you’ll be playing it on repeat!
3. Finlay Birch – Inside Your Mind
Inside Your Mind is a track that knows the mood it wants to establish, and never wavers from it: soft and immersive from its opening, the track stays subtle throughout, resisting the urge to become overcomplicated and cluttered. Instead, it stays spacious and airy, allowing space for each element, each layer to do its job. On this track, Finlay Birch balances vulnerability and an expansive sound with an ease that seems to come naturally, and this results in a listen that’s compelling, understated, and captures emotion instead of trying to give you all the answers. Listen to Inside Your Mind here!
4. Michelle Sara – Like a Thief
Filled with warmth and the glow of summer evenings, Michelle Sara’s Like a Thief is rhythmic and bright. On the surface, it may sound like what you’d tend to expect from an indie-pop track – rich vocals, catchy melodies, and relaxed writing – but on listening deeper, lines like “What goes around comes around, my baby… You always wanna be loved, but you never want to give love,” reflect emotional exhaustion and themes of karma. With expressive, shimmering vocals that carry both intensity and subtlety, Michelle Sara lets you into her thoughts with deserved confidence. Give Like a Thief a listen here!
5. Temper Lake – How to Write a Love Song
Temper Lake’s How to Write a Love Song practices exactly what it promises: gentle and tender, the song unfolds with patience, mirroring both the idea of a love song and love itself. Warm, hazy production covers the track – just enough to create intrigue, while still letting you in with little effort on your part. The vocals are fragile and arrive without much fanfare, melting in the existing instrumental perfectly to create the sense that they’ve always been there – you’re the newcomer. Touching, sweet, and endlessly sincere, How to Write a Love Song refuses perfection – just like what it sings of. Listen here!
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.