This LITM Pop Picks takes you through different emotions from happy to bittersweet to nostalgic, from the artists - Vicky Eames, Alice Austin, Kim McClay, and Aurealis!
1. Vicky Eames – Holidays in the UK
Vicky Eames’s latest track will take you through a bittersweet nostalgic field trip through childhood memories with ‘Holidays in the UK’. The song’s charm lies within its premise of zemblanity and correctly timed misfortune cutting short holiday plans, but between the lines, it’s really a collection of small wins, family time, togetherness, and “remember when we …?” -s you look at in the future and have a laugh. The folksy, soft-rock blend perfectly paints the pastel-y tones of the theme, with the cushiony instrumentation and cosy vocal lines, giving the song a family-oriented sketch show, almost, but with delicately crafted notes. Listen here -
2. Alice Austin – Come Alive
This next track on the list also features cosy compositions and lilting notes, where the music takes its time to gently roll and lift off the ground, while in the forefront, the vocals further entice the listener to join along. The song’s soft atmospheric gaze taps into that meditative part of the brain, while the floaty undercurrent of instrumentation forms gently moving shapes and patterns, much like you’d see from out of a plane. The different layers of vocals are sung ever-so tipsily, making you want to kick off your shoes and take to slow-dancing, shedding the high cortisol moments behind.
3. Kim McClay – Worth It
Kim McClay’s latest track is a great segue into a peppy, power ballad-esque pop anthem filled with plunky synths, funky drum quips, and raw, punchy vocals that scream 90s nostalgia. The track blends in a mix of modern edge with the lyrics, while the production contrasts it with the more vintage instrumentation and mix. The guitar overdrives, the varieties of synth sampling, and the textural mix of the vocals take you through memories of teen romcoms from the 2000s, not to mention the girl-power theme. The song begins soft and vulnerable, slowly building up into a powerful, explosive chorus with high octane instrumental riffs, as McClay’s epic moment takes the spotlight. Catch the song here-
4. Aurealis – Cursed
This catchy synth pop track brings in ‘aura’ with feel-good synths, pristine, glassy vocals, and snappy beats. Nashville-based artist, Aurealis, uses a hybrid of human-made compositions with AI-assisted production, creating a sliver of glistening soundscapes. The theme revolves around loss and longing, and the arrangement layers the lyrics like flowing water, with each line smoothly flowing into the next. The music lends itself to the theme, with subtle emotional bends, taking the listener through soft confessions, lilting verses, and anthemic releases. If you’re looking for a blend of soothing and spirited synthpop, look no further than ‘Cursed’.
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