This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings to you dark hard rock, 80s inspired rock, breezy soft rock, and more. The list features CS Hellmann, Mike Marlin, LIGHTNING GUSTO, and more.
CS Hellmann - Don't Let The Songbirds Cry
Breezy riffs and drums starting off the track, ‘Don't Let The Songbirds Cry’ by CS Hellmann has the kind of sonic experience waiting that will make you wanna get behind that steering wheel and drive off with a destination in mind. A certain level of softness influences the steering of the instrumentation, offering a floaty quality to the song while managing to capture a profound depth that grounds the track. The vocal harmonisation is simply stunning and to the song a sense of enigma, almost a gothic quality. The song, with its unique musical sensibilities, will have you reaching for more with every listen.
Mike Marlin - Whale Hill
Broody, dark, and enigmatic ‘Whale Hill’ by Mike Marlin offers a unique setting and perspective – the otherworldly perspective of humankind and their legacy. The song is inspired by the fossilised remains of whales in Chile, and offers a very narrative driven perception of the same. This narrativization allows you to fully immerse into the world that it tries to bring to you. Backed up by sombre guitars, grounding drum patterns, and dark piano arrangements, the song achieves in building a moody, haunting atmosphere. If you are looking to delve into something truly unique, both in composition and thematics, this song should be your go to option.
LIGHTNING GUSTO - Give Me a Break
Encapsulating a very 80s centric rock sound, ‘Give Me a Break’ by LIGHTNING GUSTO is here to liven up your spirits through its truly catharsis inducing rhythms and riffs. The instrumentation is characterised by thundering yet controlled drum patterns, dynamic guitars that shapeshift in tandem with the vocals, and take you back to the power packed rock of the 80s. You might think of bands like Def Leppard, Firehouse, because of the power and energy that characterises these bands. The song, at no point, hints at any subtlety and has you plunge into its urgent, restless, and exhilarating rock sound, right from the first second of the track.
Greg Roensch - You Never Know
Imagery driven, offering you a story that stays with you long after the last note runs out, ‘You Never Know’ by Greg Roensch captures the greatness of the rock of the yesteryear while maintaining its own flavour. The most striking aspect of the instrumentation is the solid bassline that is so prominently there, maintaining a steady rhythm and grounding the track. One can hear the influence of the blues in this song. The guitar solos in the song are truly spectacular, bringing in great dynamicity. The song builds in a slow, unhurried manner, and this helps in the formation of the mood and atmosphere and allows the listener to settle into it.
Oneway - Breakdown
Soaring guitar riffs starting off the track, ‘Breakdown’ by Oneway does not shy from fully embracing the theatrics, the grit and power. The instrumentation is quite cinematic, with its use of hard rock musical elements side by side with violin and piano arrangements, thus, not shying from unconventionality. The tones that the song embodies mirror the pain of finding oneself overlooking a cliff, not knowing what to do. The dual vocals in the song also contribute to the theatrics, making it a true performance, while also offering two perspectives of the same pain. Raw and utterly vulnerable, this song with its dark emotionality and intensity truly pushes limits.
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here