This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings to you queer anthems, early 2000s rock coded tracks and more. The list features Johnny Elsewhere, Bleach the Sky, Reduction in Force, and more.
Johnny Elsewhere - Another Different Day
Beautiful guitar tunes layered with melodic vocal riffs opening the track, ‘Another Different Day’ by Johnny Elsewhere is a layered track bringing together tones of vibrancy, reflection, and contemplation. The instrumentation remains fairly consistent throughout, with soft yet powerful drum patterns and distinct guitar riffs offering you a spirited yet contained sound. Storytelling guides the lyric style, offering you vivid images as the song moves. The vocals, soaring and vulnerable, are absolutely stunning and do complete justice to the emotional quotients in the song. The perfect accompaniment to your long drives through long, winding roads, this song is a must have on your playlists.
Bleach the Sky - GIN
Gritty guitar riffs thunderously welcoming you to the track, ‘GIN’ by Bleach the Sky takes you back to the early 2000s rock scene. Driven by the alt-rock sound that is characteristic of the 2000s, the instrumentation is loud and bold and brimming with an emotionality that is hard to not be affected by. A sombreness, a darkness colours the sound of the song. The guitars, full of an aching, throbbing energy give true character to the song. The song might remind you of Superheaven’s tracks owing to similar sombre alt-rock tracks. A complete banger, through and through, this song and the band are here to stay.
Reduction in Force - Compromise
Blending rock sounds across decades, ‘Compromise’ by Reduction in Force will make its mark on you and will compel you to return to it countless times. The instrumentation can be seen as being influenced by both the late 80s, 90s and early 2000s. Soaring, captivating guitars clubbed with dynamic drum patterns characterise the track and bring about a magnetism. The song moves in sections, and shrugs off any possibility of monotony. You can see an influence of bands like Depeche Mode, The Killers colouring the track quite significantly. If those bands interest you then this track absolutely deserves a listen from you.
Shaky - Take It Away
With a vibrant 2000s rock energy colouring the track, ‘Take It Away’ by Shaky will have your senses under its spell with its intoxicating riffs and rhythms. The guitar riff that opens the track is truly iconic and will stay with you for a long time. Steady, sharp drum patterns with layered guitars characterise the track’s instrumentation. A muffle sort of sound blankets the song, and gives it a very The Strokes’ sort of sound. Lyrically, the song is quite the confidence booster, as it is about persevering through the challenges life throws at one. It is simply hard not to absolutely fall in love with this song if you are a rock fan.
Orchard Mason - Throw a Brick
A powerful track, in every sense of the word, ‘Throw a Brick’ by Orchard Mason is the pride anthem that your playlist is lacking. The instrumentation is modern pop-rock coded, and is characterised by a balance of power and restraint. Mason’s vocals are full of soul and vulnerability, carrying in it the stories of resistance and bravery. Lyrically, the song is about the long history of bravery and resilience that the queer community carries with it, thus, making it a very important song for all those who identify with the community and those who find themselves searching. Emotionally resonant and resilient, the track is here to move you.
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