This edition of LITM Pop Picks takes you through experimental arrangements and uniquely built soundscapes featuring artists Amtton, Swamp Music Players, Stephanie Michaela, GOHAR and Coffeeshop.
1. Amtton - What a Party
Amtton’s latest track ‘What A Party’ launches straight into a hypnotic groove, creating a foot-tappingly catchy track, playable in any mood. The song maintains only a few overtones throughout, working as the anchor along with the bass, while in the middle, we get to hear more angular midtones and glossy riffs. The arrangement takes the groove to a lower tone towards the end, having the riff delivered by an undulating bass line, while being surrounded by pops of twangy synth notes smothered in laser light choreography. Listen here-
2. Swamp Music Players - Run With Us
Another song with a slick beat, ‘Run With Us’ leans more into dark pop and alternative territory, carried with gravelly bass notes and vocals before diving headfirst into the main chorus. The main vocals bring out a certain staunch flavor, which is closely followed by a guitar solo that pierces through the electromagnetic soundscape, accompanied only by a jaunty pair of bass and drums working to spotlight the guitar. The overhead shimmery tones and punchy rhythm add to the many layers of riffs, keeping the song engaging while leaving space in the midst of the verses to allow the silences to soak in the vibe. Check it out here –
3. Stephanie Michaela – Carefree
Stephanie Michaela’s latest track delivers a solid one with ‘Carefree’, which falls somewhere between soulful and peppy at the same time. As you get into the song, it takes you from a lilting melody towards a slightly peppier rhythm that bubbles and froths towards the choruses, until the chorus is finally unleashed. The different vocal layers add spunk to the track, which is booming with experimental ideas and unique production. Lyrically, it’s a song about finding hope as well as being your own cheerleader, with a mood that says ‘party’ as well as ‘girl pop anthem’. Overall, it’s a blend of different textures, fluid vocals, and soft piano notes, as the chorus “I'm the person who I know I’m meant to be” strikes a good balance of electronic and acoustic layers. Listen here –
4. GOHAR – Fairy
Another unique track on the list is a mix of melancholia along with unsettling sonic landscapes. GOHAR’s latest song, ‘Fairy’, might just unravel your expectations with its looming overtones and the wispy nature of the singing, where it’s almost as if the dead are singing to us. With lyrics like “when you’re making peace with every monster in your head”, you get a sense of dark, gritty, and contemplative writing with appeals to nature. The song takes you through a rollercoaster of experimental textures, from using hazy vocal tones to fluttery and viscous instrumentation, where you can best discern the music as dark and alternative pop with an essence of trap influence. It points towards a unique approach to music—check it out here.
5. Coffeeshop – California Summer Dream
Coffeeshop’s latest track is one that’ll make a splash with its summery pop song arrangement and dreamy beachside vibe. It’s an overall fun, foot-tapping experience that’ll have you putting it on in the car over a long drive or dancing to it at a party. The song is well-paced with catchy rhythms and glistening tones, featuring electronic pops of instrumentation all over the background. The production side of the song uses a mix of both vintage and modern aesthetics, with glassy vocals pairing well with the slick synths and vibrant loops, taking the listener through a funky set of loops and infectious hooks. Check it out here -
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