On this edition of LITM Pop Picks, tracks take on intense vulnerability and sentiment that’s backed by slow-moving rhythms and melodies. The list features Cris Cap, HELN, Iameve and more!
1. Cris Cap - Gone Too Soon
‘Gone Too Soon’ by Cris Cap and Tyla Raé is a sentimental, slow-paced RnB-infused tribute to those who choose to leave the world a little too soon. It pays homage to dreams unrealised, lamenting why these “...gentle souls the world left behind…”, making every beat in the rhythm count.
“...Gone too soon but your essence lingers on…”, this slow-paced, visceral eulogy feels like a fitting, touching tribute to all those countless lost. The song is slow, visceral and immensely vulnerable while holding space for those that were and those who mourn.
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2. Kris Kolls - HORIZON
‘HORIZON’ by Kris Kolls is a serene, ambient pop-ballad that settles us into this sense of calm with its expansive soundscape. The narrator seems to surrender to what seems like an endless, warm spiral. “...I feel like I’ve fallen into a dream…”.
“...I’m falling into my own mind…”. The track seems to be a tribute to someone dear, while also feeling like a life-affirming breeze. Our narrator seems to celebrate themselves as much as they celebrate their seemingly larger-than-life yet contained lover. “...Friendship, love, hate all collide…I close my eyes and take it all in stride…”.
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3. Iameve - My Head My Heart My Hands
‘My Head My Heart My Hands’ by Iameve pulls on a dark, dramatic groove that feels as mysterious as it does self-accepting. The melodies feel layered and haunting, while our narrator tries to pull their “...heart free from my head…”.
The rhythmic strings and guitars on the track give the song this unique edge that communicates its layered, haunting darkness intensely and immediately. The melodies hold in them a sway and groove that feels a bit intense, dramatic and expansively cinematic all at once. The track is expansive, layered and fuelled by haunting sounds and a vivid sense of space and atmosphere.
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4. Ratfink! - About Ya
‘About Ya’ by Ratfink! is a bright, guitar-led indie track that takes on a breezy tone over calm rhythms and melodies. The song takes its time to build its elements in the soundscape, bright and dynamic. This while the vocals on the track seem to support this build, fuelling it with this edge that feels intense, but light.
A sort of dynamic flitting edge that seems to complement the soundscape that’s layering under it with ease. The tone feels muffled and bright, a sound and mood that feels familiar and undeniably indie. It’s a meld of bright optimism and settled, sentimental calm that gives the song its warm, optimistic edge.
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5. HELN - You Caught My Eye
‘You Caught My Eye’ by HELN is a power ballad led by cascading piano and string melodies. The song moves quick-paced and dynamic while it the lyrics paint a dynamic picture of love and warmth as little sparks of affection evolves.
“...A world torn apart when I’m away from you…”. The song’s tone is vulnerable, while its cascading melodies hold space for lines that gush with warmth. “...My world’s without a care, as long as I’m with you…”. The song is intense and stunning, capturing love and light in a breath-taking tribute charged with emotion.
Listen here:
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