On this edition of LITM Rock Picks, each track takes you through different tones, from lilting melodies all the way to pumped-up angst. The list features JW Paris, Alison Martino and more!
1. Ceyeo- Confession
A vocalist and producer from Chicago, Ceyeo in his new country rock song album- ‘Together They Were Nothing’, brings to us the track ‘Confession’ - which, as the title suggests- is an unabashed love confession. The lyrics like “there isn’t even anything for me to confess to , except, I love you… maybe more” reiterates the themes of boldness. The artist’s arrangement has a neat little guitar entry that leads us to an accompaniment that is easy going and upbeat but brings about some unexpected scale changes throughout making the experience unique and interesting, with an overall head-bobbing rhythm. The guitar solo brings in that upbeat vibe, accompanying the singer all the way to the end of the song.
2. JW Paris- Anything
This New York-based artist mixes fun with frenzy in their new track ‘Anything’. The song feels very 90s with its guitar distortions, and would not look out of place in a film like Freaky Friday. The overall production is upbeat and would be great to listen to live at a concert. The lyrics are cheeky and almost sound bemused with lines like- “if dreaming is a reality, my nightmare might look a little bit like you”. The band is clearly having a lot of fun in the jam room, with its clever use of hop-on hop-off instrumental arrangements. The bridge brings in some mischievous vocal dissonance before it takes us back to its main vibe.
3. Almighty Mighty- Blue desert
This Belgium-based pop-noire collective, Almighty Mighty takes us through a soothing momentum with their new track ‘Blue Desert’. With its haunting instrumentation and forlorn tone, it echoes the sentiment of the lyrics with lines like- “From station to station I'm in a state of war”. The synth in the background uses singular notes like a mellow gong, to create a ripple effect which fades rhythmically into each verse. You might start the track wondering what “blue desert” might mean, but by the end, you’re nodding your head (on beat) completely in agreement with the song title.
4. Naomi Neva – This is Over
California based indie rock artist Naomi brings us raw broken-hearted angst in her new single ‘This is Over’. Think of grunge, but with a bright sound. The vocals start off subdued but when the rage kicks in, we get Phoebe Buffay’s (from ‘Friends’) level of passion in the chorus. The song's arrangement works in service to the themes of absence and abandonment with the lyrics parallelly bring in that feeling of angst. The rawness of the vocals aren’t clipped out by production which bodes even better for the theme, and with that the song ends on a solid ‘note’.
5. Alison Martino- Put It All Down
Los Angeles based folk artist stuns with this beautifully composed melody in her new single ‘Put It All Down’. With harmonies being a supportive element throughout the song, we get an ethereal feel, while the backing instruments maintain a soft steady and subdued rhythm. The lyrics “just breathe put it all down” sung in long legato patterns add to the tracks uplifting sentiment. With its breezy positive vibe, lilting hints of piano and the steady ¾ waltz rhythm, we get an added lower harmonic towards the end. As the instrument section fades out, the track finishes with a halt, leaving the listener awaiting more.
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