This edition of LITM Rock Picks, features some unique genre bending and enthralling arrangements with artists Slow Down Riley, Blue Dust, Valvet, Factheory and Kasem!
1. Slow Down Riley-Here I Am
If you’re looking for an eclectic mix of two very unexpected genres, look no further than Here I Am. It’s a unique mix of happy vibes and grit with the inclusion of heavy metal screaming. It’s a high-energy track, with the lyrics’ theme around the artist professing his love. The instrumentation and especially the guitar arrangement are reminiscent of a few anime OSTs . The vocals are a unique duo of 2 voices- pop and heavy metal. The guitars and drums carry a high energy and vibrant pop-rock experience. The interlude brings in a charming piano and guitar duo which is then accompanied by some soulful vocals. There is an underbed of a heavily distorted metal genre-leaning guitar throughout, which is what makes this genre blend a successful earworm.
2. Blue Dust- Stay Still
Hypnotic and pensive is what Blue Dust brings us with their latest track ‘Stay Still’. The song has a captivating melding of instruments with the bass offering a grounded trance-like hook, accompanied by a gentle drumbeat and overlayed by the guitar’s hook in an ethereal, almost lo-fi vibe. The misty vocals and synth work together with the synth, bringing the track an atmospheric soundscape, providing a great bed for the guitar and vocals while the lyrics are themed around self-discovery. The chorus brings in a beautiful amalgamation of all these instrumental layers, giving us a rejuvenating symphony of riffs.
3. Valvet- Mountains
With a refreshing mix of alternative rock and folk, the Swedish band crafts a unique experience in their track ‘Mountains’. Its arrangement has the track start with a slowburn entry with just vocals, slowly accompanied by the bass. The drums kick in 1/4th into the song, bringing up the energy and intensity while the bass brings in some uplifting notes for good measure. The lyrics are themed around the upward struggles we face in life, is captivating and use nature to evoke images of hope and treachery as the momentum builds up to the climax, the guitar solo thrills with its ascension until the music halts and comes back in full swing with the band. The song finishes with some more invigorating climactic instrumentation and vocals.
4. Factheory ft Michel Sordinia (The Names) – Bird of Time
This act lies within the Newwave and post punk genre, and they bring a classic rock feel with their new single ‘Bird of Time’. The track has a breezy, laid-back vibe that is perfect for long road trips on a summer’s day. The song’s catchy verses have the vocalist duo sing intermittently and in unison, while the bass has a slick melody of its own as it moves to the chorus. The chorus itself has a grungy feel in contrast to the friendly nature of the verses. The bridge shifts tone by briefly jumping into a more edgy vibe with a jazzy minor scale, with the track’s spirit lifted up by the drums. The rawness of the vocals is complemented by this back and forth throughout the song.
5. Kasem- Million Dollar Man
Australian rock band Kasem brings a blend of classic and alternative rock with their new track ‘Million Dollar Man’. The instrumentation feels very 80s with a modern theme, with the lyrics being a cautionary tale against the ruthlessness of the financially elite, using lyrics like “destroying children’s playground for that hotel by the bay”. The guitars play with a slick groove in the verses that is taken over by the bass in the chorus. The rustic lead vocals are accompanied softly with harmonies at the chorus, both of which echo each other in the bridge. The interlude is a great jam session as the lead guitarist rips into the song with a piercing melody, along with some tremolos. The section is brilliantly accompanied by the different variations thrown in by the other instruments.
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