Bringing together 80s synth influenced rock to emotive 2000s rock, this edition of LITM Rock Picks is all about the wide range of rock music. The list features Dead Heroes, Mercy Kelly, HalfCutLemon, and more.
Dead Heroes - Witch Doctor
Alternative rock coloured generously with goth elements, ‘Witch Doctor’ by Dead Heroes creates a very specific soundscape and does complete justice to it. It is heavy, it is hypnotic, it is psychedelic, it is raw and it is visceral, making the track the perfect cathartic release. The instrumentation is balanced, and no element or sound overwhelms the other. The lyricism is intense, bringing in heavy metaphors. The band is ambitious with this song as they use it to set the tone for their work, and honestly they nail it. If you are in the mood for some dark alt rock that wraps you up in its atmosphere then give this one a listen.
Mercy Kelly - Breathe For Her
Starting off with an urgent, bright guitar riff, ‘Breathe For Her’ by Mercy Kelly tells a different story through its lyrics. The song is strongly reminiscent of early 2000s rock, with its driving crisp guitars, strong and steady presence of drums, emotive, passionate vocals, all of which is coloured with urgency. The rhythm in the song is very catchy, giving it a very anthem-like sound. There is a beautiful ache that flows through the lyrics, an ache that will make you want to hold it safe in your hands. With a melody that will stick with you, this song is the kind that lingers long after the last note has played out.
HalfCutLemon - Ointment
With an infectious layered guitar riff introducing the track, ‘Ointment’ by HalfCutLemon will grab you by the hand and put you on a bandwagon to the 70s rock scene. Starting out urgent, the song slows down in places, and then picks considerably up at the end. The shift in pace that plays throughout the song feels like a breather while also bringing a dynamic quality to the song, where the song acts as a soft rock song and also a hardcore rock one. The song is full of fun, groove, and is one that you cannot simply sit and listen with a straight face - it will demand that you move your body with it.
Wagner the Band - Don’t Stop Movin’
Bringing together soul and good old rock, ‘Don’t Stop Movin’’ by Wagner the Band will give you the push that you need on a Monday morning. Full of raw energy, groove, and funk, this rock and roll track is here to tell you that the genre is very much alive still. The instrumentation in the song is by no means subtle, and is instead in full force as it aims to live up to the rock and roll tradition. Lyrically, the song is all about holding on, not giving in, and keeping your head afloat come what may in the trial that life often turns into.
MatAre - Epilogue
80s rock making its presence felt right from the first note, ‘Epilogue’ by MatAre blends synth elements with rock, creating a sound that won’t let you look away. The song starts off in an urgent manner right from the beginning, and it is maintained right through till the end. It is characterised by dark, emo, post punk elements, which lend a very theatrical haunting sound to the song. The song is strongly reminiscent of The Cure’s discography, with its blend of synthwave and rock. If you’re looking for something contemporary that will take you back in time, then this song is the perfect choice.
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