Everything from delicate acoustics to heavy electronica, these LITM Pop Picks come to you from artists like Rusty Reid, Energy Whores, Anjalts, and more!
1. Rusty Reid – Alchemist
Continuing on his exploration of the best of Texan songwriting on his album Lone Stardust (Masterworks of Texas Songwriters), Rusty Reid reimagines Blue Water Highway’s Alchemist. By now, Reid is known for his laid-back, soft sound that encourages reflection, and this is no different; Alchemist features delicate instrumentals wrapped tenderly around Reid’s gentle vocals that stir something within you with their soulful nature. This doesn’t sound like someone covering another artist’s work – you can tell Reid has been careful and thoughtful in how he’s chosen to approach the song, and this genuine appreciation shines through every note. Listen here!
2. Energy Whores – Planet B
Strong, thumping beats open Energy Whores’ Planet B, soon joined by a subtle melodic line and finally, electronic vocals that sound spookily robotic. Through this cleverly arranged track, Energy Whores establishes a dystopian atmosphere that’s unafraid to condemn the fact that the world seems so okay with impending climate disaster because of the ridiculous assumption that there’ll, somehow, come an escape. Planet B is an incredulous wake-up call for anyone apathetic enough to believe this, delivered through a track that keeps its message front and centre without compromising on melody and musicality. Using their stage to convey what matters, Energy Whores’ latest single is one worth paying attention to.
3. Anjalts – Through the Fray
Establishing a dreamy synth-pop haze from its opening moments, Anjalts’ Through the Fray is immersive, cinematic, and hypnotising. Airy electronica holds you suspended in mid-air as her vocals shimmer and float around you, weaving a narrative that, when paid attention to, is existential and heavy, but remains disguised amidst the light synth and spacious arrangement. The strong rhythm keeps things grounded as they try their best to soar away, yet it’s never overwhelming enough to break the fragile atmosphere; restraint is key to accomplishing this, and it’s clearly something Anjalts understands well. Give Through the Fray a listen here!
4. outerview – POP MUSIC
outerview blends electronica and dance pop on POP MUSIC, a raw, organic track that feels intimate – the kind that comes from deliberate production and the knowledge that the person on the other end has sat with their craft, honing it painstakingly. It’s simultaneously distorted with a natural finish and polished with synth gloss, giving the whole track an interesting tension that’s also reflected in the lyrics, an exploration of the dreams of an artist who just wants to make it. It has no time for flowery language and subtle implications, and the whole song is direct and future-facing. Check it out here!
5. Bardi Johannsson, d’Ant – Staring at Nothing
“Stay where you are / You’re gonna feel the heat from the dream machine…”
An atmospheric, almost eerie sound forms the backbone of Bardi Johannsson and d’Ant’s latest single, Staring at Nothing. Its melancholy isn’t just sad – it’s creepy and a touch unsettling, hinting that there’s more under the surface than appears on first listen. Strong vocals that remain understated and subtle float through the relatively minimal arrangement that still lands with all the impact it needs, while the song’s tension rises and falls with intention and deliberate movement. It’s hard to box this track into a single genre as it moves, taking you along with it, and that’s what makes it such a compelling listen.
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