This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings you some things pensive, some things positive and some unexpected cinematic features! The list includes Hallucinophonics, Reduction in Force, Gerhardt, Exceptional Failures and Charlie Uffelman.
1.Hallucinophonics- Born on a Train
Born on a Train is one of those songs you would want to listen to calm the nerves and look to for comfort. The artists weave arpeggiated guitar minor chords and soft into the verses while bringing in the bass, synths, percussion and a bit of a show-stealer, the flute, during the chorus. The withdrawal of the band post-choruses evokes a sense of suspension and intrigue. The sweet tones of the flute change the overall mood of the song, making it more uplifting, while at the same time acts as a flowy passage between each segment. Overall, we get a well-balanced arrangement with a sense of ‘pensiveness’ and ‘contemplation’ but a more ‘hopeful’ tone in the choruses.
2.Reduction in Force- What’s Next
Reduction in Force brings us a mix of nostalgic, feverish and festive with their new song ‘What’s Next’ . The dramatic drums, the wistful vocals and sweeping synths evoke a reflective and conversational tone that is carried throughout the song. The vocals are layered alongside the lead guitar, maintaining an echo, and we get a long legato of notes with the lead guitar. The lyrics are themed around existential questioning, and that is carried forward with the instrumentation, though the bridge brings in a more hopeful vibe. The track has a bit of a classic and alternative blend, with hints of dissonance and some good old-fashioned drama.
3.Gerhardt- Invite Only(Ballroom Version)
In a unique twist of soundscapes, we get a blend of cinematic dialogue from the 1950s and a weary yet breezy cocktail. The track features a scene from the Alfred Hitchcock film ‘Stage Fright’ and references the ‘big reveal’ – a scene from the plot of the movie, using the main female lead character Charlott. Musically, the instrumentation is gentle and modest. Lyrically, it’s a character biopsy-cum- cautionary tale, while the music echoes the mood of the lyrics using a gentle buzz of instrumentation and rustic vocals, overall making for an endearing and quaint song.
4. Exceptional Failures, Ned and Wendy the Band- Giving It All Away
With ‘Giving it All Away’, we get a fun, casual and friendly vibe with a bit of flair. The energy of the song builds up from the start all the way to the end with the varied use of percussion by all instruments. The drums and guitars get into the groove, starting casual, almost like a gentle suggestion, and slide towards a heavier blend with more fullness in the chorus. There’s a slight dissonance in the vocal arrangements, and it’s accompanied by the lead guitar, which brings in lingering notes here and there. Overall, the song brings fun, chill and breezy into one room.
5. Charlie Uffelman- All the Same
The New York-based artist Charlie Uffelman brings us a feel-good blend of the folk, rock and alt-country genres, where we get a neat little breezy and nostalgic combination. The instrumentation is gentle, with sweet echoing synths, acoustic guitar charm, and simple yet effective percussion. The variations of the groove create a dynamic soundscape and which pairs well with the rustic nature of the vocals. The vocalist’s voice texture and the vibratos are beautiful and well-timed. Overall, the song is produced in a way that feels like you’re right there, watching the band play live!
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