This edition of LITM Pop Picks delves into different genres and topics from EDM to Alt-pop, featuring artists Jex Ayla, Katie Belle, FATECRIMES, Hot Hail and Liyah Beh.
1. Jex Ayla - Battlefront
Battlefront leads the way with heart-pounding beats, static atmospheric haze, and peppy techno beats. The electronica track by Jex Ayla is locked and loaded with quick ascensions and electrifying blends of different ingredients from the genre, resulting in a crowd-puller, with beats that land hard. The vocal layers morph from silky smooth vocals, going from breathy and sultry to powerful and razor sharp, with super clean voice breaks, while the velvety backdrop holds a layer of synths. The intro entices the listener with a dynamism that maintains your attention. All in all, a great recommendation for your electronica playlists!
2. Katie Belle - People pleaser
Alt-pop artist Katie Belle concocts a feverish mix of dark tones to make this pop girl anthem. It uses layers of frosty synths as the backdrop, while in the foreground, clusters of slow-morphing satin-y textures, along with the pulsating kick of the drums, draw the listener deeper into the track. Belle uses whispered tones and raspy vocals throughout the song, evoking strong goth girl vibes. The song’s edgy theme has not just clever lyrics, but a strong message: “I’m gonna save me all for myself.” The track captures a dynamic range of colours throughout its run.
3. FATECRIMES - Wanderlust
FATECRIMES’s ‘Wanderlust’ is one of those indie/ garage rock tracks that’ll stay on a loop once you hit play. It’s one of the catchiest beats with a clean alternative feel, the drums add a dynamic edge to the track, stealing the spotlight at several points, as the guitar resurfaces from a choppy undercurrent dropping a glistening solo with its impressive frills and rolls. The murmuring instrumental segments dip in and out with patterns while the vocalist sings the wittiest of lyrics, as the band sings about themes of fleeting escapism disguised as wanderlust. Overall, a wild performance from the entire band!
4. Hot Hail - Article of Faith
This post-hardcore track is one of those songs that could tame racing thoughts, with each instrumental layer centering your attention without sensory overload. The arrangement consists of a hazy dissonance that is accompanied by strong, punchy overtones, along with warbling bass tones, twisting slivers of synths, all warping and shapeshifting into one mesmerizing soundscape. This is all tied together by the singer’s looming vocals. There are plenty of synth textures evoking tactile sensations from viscous to glassy, while in the foreground, you get unique, engaging baubles of synth riffs, floating, undisturbed. Lyrically strong with lines like – “a heart inside a human, that you refuse to see”, this song is worth catching.
5. Liyah Beh - Abused
Alt pop/ Rnb artist unleashes an anthemic payoff with her latest track ‘Abused’, consisting of powerful vocals blended with subtle instrumentation and an uncommon yet necessary message. The music centers Bey’s vocals, placing her closest to the ear within the audio mix, while maintaining a subtle presence of glossy synths and gut-punch beats, echoes the singer’s emotional jolts as she shifts from hazy to full-chest booming vocals. The hauntingly powerful line- “fear becomes a language only pain can cut through” followed by a formidable belt to amplify the impact tenfold. Not only is the track an important message, but it comes with emotional complexity and brave lyrical navigation.
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