These LITM Rock Picks go from delicate and intimate to restless and chaotic, each with its own unique sound – coming to you from artists like Monday’s Monsoon, Knifing Around, Robert J Hunter, and more!
1. Monday’s Monsoon – Something New
London-based Monday’s Monsoon’s upcoming release, Something New, is a delightfully wistful slice of indie folk rock that feels like it could easily back a summer montage in a coming-of-age movie – sunsets on the beach, long drives, the exhilaration of being young, living in the present, falling in love. Grounded in guitar layers embellished with strings, the song is propelled forward with a drum section that earns its place with confidence. “No one’s waiting for us… Just let the night unwind / ‘Cause we don’t have to find the answers,” they sing: an encouraging reminder that sometimes, just taking a chance can do wonders. Something New is out on the 9th of May – presave it here!
2. Knifing Around – Believe
From its very first moments, Knifing Around’s Believe announces itself with a bang. Confidence drips from the distortion-filled track – it never holds back, because why should it? Jangly guitars, fuzzy vocals, and restless drums fill every inch of the song; this fullness consumes you inside-out as you listen, creating an intense atmosphere you’ll be happy to be part of. It’s deliberately rough around the edges – there’s no unnecessary polish that’d simply dull the raw hit that makes this song what it is. It’s charged, electric, and immediate, and through its emotionally charged sound, it’s also charming and immensely loopable – check Believe out here!
3. Robert J Hunter – Loser
Robert J Hunter’s latest single, Loser, is a clean yet raw and intimate track that’s full of heart throughout. Hunter’s vocals carry a certain weariness, but underlining it is complete sincerity – there’s no hiding, no games to be played. The song’s production also deserves a shoutout for not giving in to polish: by leaning into a more natural, immediate sound, it creates an atmosphere that makes it easy to imagine hearing the track live at a cosy gathering. The whole thing is self-aware and understated, which works in the track’s favour, and the songwriting hits in a way that makes you feel each line. Listen to Loser here!
4. Pray Silence – Dragon of Chaos
With Dragon of Chaos, Pray Silence bursts onto the scene, determined to be impossible to ignore. Each and every note, every line, every riff lands with the intensity and conviction of someone who has something to say. The whole song walks a fine line between control and chaos: from the vocal delivery, which seems to exist on a plane apart, to the drums, which ground the track, yes, but also teeter on the edge of impulsivity, this is a track that’ll force you to sit up and listen to it. It’d have been very easy for this track to be messy and muddled, but despite it all, it lands with a crispness that makes this instantly, constantly loopable!
5. Rosenthal – A Dream
Light, airy, and shimmering, Rosenthal’s A Dream is elegant in its blend of elements from both indie rock and dream pop. The song plays with pacing throughout: the constant push and pull between letting the track take over with a pace that feels like you’re flying, and dips that ground you, letting you catch a breath, contrast with each other at exactly the right times, each allowing you to appreciate the other even more. The accompanying music video, built on a montage of abstract visuals from nature, complements the song’s expansive and open sound. Overall, it’s a comforting and calming listen – check it out here.
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