These LITM Rock Picks go from experimental and sinister to bright and sincere, coming to you from artists like Mark’s Paranormal Dysneyland, Jetlag, ReeToxA, and more!
1. Mark’s Paranormal Dysneyland – Living A Lie
A track that’s less about musical accessibility and more about making a statement of identity, Mark’s Paranormal Dysneyland’s Living A Lie comes to your ears from under layers of fuzz and distortion. When the vocals come in, they continue on the same path – crackly and restrained, not for subtlety, but like an eerily calm surface that’s containing barely hidden emotions. The track is built to be disorienting, from the static-like buzz that covers the whole thing to the vocals whose layers are distinct enough to overwhelm, yet cohesive enough that it works. This is a must-listen for fans of an experimental punk sound – listen here!
2. Jetlag – Prozac Nation
London-based Jetlag describes themselves as “indie maximalists”, and their debut single, Prozac Nation does not disappoint that label. From its opening rolling drums that settle into the groove with mastered ease to unapologetic brass layers that take up space because they know they deserve to, the instrumentals are packed with flourishes that keep you on your toes as you make your way through the song. The vocals are treated similarly, woven into the instrumentals so seamlessly – to the point where you’ll find yourself holding your breath because you almost can’t hear them drawing a breath (unless they want you to). Give this bright, energetic track a listen here!
3. ReeToxA – Love Keeps Burning Still
Melbourne-based ReeToxA have established themselves as a band more than capable of producing a sound that’s warm and sincere without being saccharine; their latest release, Love Keeps Burning Still, is, happily, no exception. As the track opens with a melancholic, almost nostalgic piano that invites you into the meditative zone of the track, you can tell this is a song that’s going to find its way into your heart, pushing where it hurts. The track delicately balances a decidedly rock-influenced sound with vast, orchestral strings and cinematic harmonies that weave a picture in your mind with intense, raw emotion – experience it here.
4. Roan Grevel – Anna
From its opening moments, Roan Grevel’s Anna sounds familiar – not predictable, but comforting. Bringing melodic, saturated guitars and alt-indie-rock rhythms together to create something that soars far above the ground, Roan Grevel’s debut single is rough around the edges, resisting the trap of an overly polished sound in favour of one that’s a lot more authentic, brimming with emotions. The vocal performance follows suit: vulnerable and full of life, the vocals carry the knowledge that they’re doing their job (and doing it well), giving them the confidence to stay restrained. Charged, detailed, and cohesive, this song will channel all the intensity in you – and then some. Listen here!
5. Carol Blaze – Zombies Now Are Real
The instant you press play, Seattle-based Carol Blaze’s Zombies Now Are Real bursts forth with an insanely catchy, reverberating progression over grounding drums that sound like they’re just longing to burst forth – and burst forth they do when the vocals join the fray, expanding the scope of a sound that already sounded full. As the gravelly vocals deliver their sinister lines (“Your silent death in the dreamy dreams / Distant past and distant screams,” and “There is no way to regain control / We dig and dig, trapped inside the hole”, for instance), you feel the atmosphere the song creates pressing down on you, making you feel its every mood. Check it out here!
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