This edition of LITM Rock Picks balances the achingly good with the playfully charming, featuring artists Naked Munkie, Slender Pins, CAR287, Martin Tennant, and Albert Hertz.
1. Naked Munkie – Empty Thoughts
Naked Munkie has just launched ‘Empty Thoughts’, a grungy, strong undercurrent blended with vivid, silky overtones from the vocals. There is an interesting mix of textures, from paper-thin to tree-bark thick, but compositionally, it lies in a darker palette. The vocals are clean as a whistle, though in some places there is a slight grainy tinge or a hazy fog as the vocalist sings, “every echo in my skull just fades through the dark.” The electronic touches added to the musical layers are also a great addition. As the verses build in tension after slowly stirring the pot, the production plays with dynamics and crunch, going from light sparkles to a full-blown firecracker.
2. Slender Pins – Just Say Yes
With pummeling drums and zigzagging grooves, Slender Pins’ ‘Just Say Yes’ just might steal the show. This is a song that’s unafraid to indulge in playfulness, letting the guitars build in slick grooves and carve out funky, enjoyable textures with all their licks and flourishes. Meanwhile, the endearing trio of bass, drums, and vocals builds up momentum in the verses, leaving you wanting more until the chorus sweeps in with the entire ensemble. The vocal mix, interestingly, is compressed and hazy, but that works in the song's favour, as it balances the sharp underbed with the viscous overhead mix. The arrangement adds more whizzes and swirls as the ending approaches, creating a rich flavour of tones.
3. CAR287 – Road Rage Leady
An alternative-infused indie rock track, ‘Road Rage Leady’ is another playful piece with sharp, witty lyrics, unique grooves, and funky overdrives. This song takes the listener through a few unexpected turns, including traffic sounds and an announcement segment from the vocalist. This adds a unique buildup of tension, carefully holding back on a quick release and instead using that pent-up energy to play with the audience's anticipation before releasing the tension at “she’s gone full GTA.” Overall, it is a wacky adventure with a highly loopable arrangement.
4. Martin Tennant – Forgotten Son
A sleek alternative track with a clean, ambient sound, ‘Forgotten Son’ by Martin Tennant blends a vintage vibe with youthful energy. The vocals carry a clear timbre and raw, unfiltered emotion; they are not overly polished in post-production, bringing a fresh and authentic vibe to the track. It’s one of those songs that you’d hear at a festival or an open-air event, with its bright tone and seamless lyrical drifts. The subtle, shimmery chimes of the guitar further add to the slight haze right behind the vocals, letting them breathe while the soft fade-outs and pauses allow the emotions to sink in before the main ensemble sets sail again.
5. Albert Hertz – Lucky Luke
With soft, breezy vocals paired with raw and earthy, ‘garage-style’ instrumentation, ‘Lucky Luke’ by Albert Hertz creates a soothing vibe with gentle pacing and authentic lyrics. The track has a wide range of different textures, ranging from sharp and pinched to strong and viscous. With a slow atmospheric buildup, it works to create tension; in this case, the mix adds a slight grainy crackle and some smoky tones. Swiftly changing tones, the arrangement adds beautiful musical variations, giving the song a whirl of whimsy and a flavourfully tantalising, rich mix. It feels like a song you can zone into for light escapism.