This edition of LITM Pop Picks brings to you retro synthpop, romantic pop, and more. The list features artists Rami, Adey Ambesa, LUNA14, and more.
Rami - Save Myself
Emotive guitar strummings starting off the track, ‘Save Myself’ by Rami blends retro synths with contemporary pop beats to create a deeply powerful song about recognising your own self. The instrumentation leans towards an introspective tone, which aligns with the songwriting itself, wherein the narrative moves through recollection and acceptance. The synths give the song a very 80s and early 90s pop sound, and also the harmonisations that come in later work greatly well to give the song dimensions and a grand, theatrical sound. Rami’s vulnerable lyrics giving us an account of a phoenix rising from the ashes, is truly deserving of the spotlight in the song. Give it a listen; it truly is something.
Adey Ambesa - Adey (Sunshine Mix)
With grooves and rhythms that take us to sunlit waters and salt air, ‘Adey (Sunshine Mix)’ tells a very different story that stands in contrast with the cheery, tropical leaving sound it is driven by. The instrumentation leans towards a contemporary beach-pop sound, with bright, vibrant yet emotive guitar patterns, steady percussion, and whose intermingling gives the song its sunshine quality. The lyrics however give us a different picture entirely – they reflect on inner turmoils versus what you are expected to show to the world. It captures the experience of not feeling like you have a home despite having one in name, that family isn’t a homogenous idea but it is way more layered than it seems.
LUNA14 - Zero Gravity
Richly layered, intricately arranged, ‘Zero Gravity’ by synthpop duo LUNA14 feels like floating through endless rivers with weeping willows swaying and dancing away over our eyes. The musical arrangement in the song is what makes it what it is – it builds so gradually, so intentionally with every single layer gelling into the next smoothly while remaining distinct. It is atmospheric and expansive, like the song stretches and reaches beyond its length. Guitars, violins, drums, and synths taken in differing capacities give the song its sound, alongside the stunningly done layered vocals which feels like the glue that holds the expanding song.
Open Horizon Records - Let The Leaves Fall
Dream-like, from start to finish, with its gently arranged music and even gentler singing, ‘Let The Leaves Fall’ Open Horizon Records feels like walking through a small town on an autumn day as you choose to be present in that moment. The guitars, the grounding drum patterns, the delightful piano progressions, come together to create a sound that is steeped in emotion and a very vulnerable kind of unity. The song is like the brainchild of Sleeping At Last, Gracie Abrams, and Lizzy McAlpine. The dual layered vocals in the song feel so very soothing, and will make you want to take a bus ride through your town while staring out the window.
Camille K - Paradise
Capturing the idea that heaven is not a destination, but a feeling, a person, ‘Paradise’ by Camille K gives you all the feels and all the vibey rhythms. With a Zara Larson-like bright instrumentation, this track blends emotion and joy in a beautiful, vibrant manner. Synths, electronic percussion beats, and more come together to create a shimmering, glittery yet depth laden sound. Camille’s vocals are so beautiful, so vulnerable, so rich with emotion, that you cannot help but daydream about that person in your life. The song will make you want to get into the car with your love and drive on, far away, growing in love.
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