This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings to you achingly melancholic rock, Energetic Britpop, alternative rock, and more. The list features Labule, Rikki Tikki Tavi, JJ Ryan, and more.
Labule - Bí Eré
Bringing the rhythms and grooves from Nigeria, ‘Bí Eré’ by Labule captures a profound reality of life – change happens and happens quietly: it waits for no one to notice its movements. The instrumentation has at its base a magnetic guitar riff which hooks you in immediately, and layered on top of this is Nigerian musical rhythms, and to top it off comes the saxophone in the end which gives the song a grand, regal touch. The dense vocals of Labule come off as being rich with wisdom, with observance, with commitment. The lyrics place its context within Nigeria and talks about how the government’s actions and promises are riddled with great contradictions, which adversely affect the common people of the land.
Rikki Tikki Tavi - under the ground
Making you think of lush green forests and its unpredictable nature, ‘under the ground’ by Rikki Tikki Tavi sounds like music that has been crafted with the purpose of making one realise that they are small and are part of something immensely more magnificent – nature. Interestingly, the name of the music project Rikki Tikki Tavi is actually a Kipling story, where the titular character follows Nagaina into her dark hole underground. The song’s instrumentation has a meditative quality to it, with reverb drenched, shimmery guitars which bring in a transcendental quality, and thumping percussion which grounds the track in ground reality. The piano progressions come off as incongruous but maybe that’s the point – for the sound of the song seems to be dependent on unpredictability.
JJ Ryan - Time Is on Your Side
Delving into the ultimate truth of life, that time is the one thing that is truly beyond our control, ‘Time Is on Your Side’ by JJ Ryan is as magnetic, as groovy as it is full of profound thinking. The instrumentation of the song leans towards a modern alternative rock sound, having some resemblances with the sound and energy that The Strokes employ in their music. The charismatic guitars, magnetic basslines, dynamic drum patterns come together to create a sound that is steeped in both emotion and energy. The vocals also capture this dichotomy of deep emotions and energy, balancing itself on a delicate space of softness and vigour.
Joe Wheldon - Burn
Melancholic guitar strumming starting off the track, ‘Burn’ by Joe Wheldon is the kind of song that pierces your heart with its honesty and vulnerability. The song is crafted around a softness that emerges from pain that is raw and visceral, with soaring electric guitar riffs accompanying driving drum patterns to reach emotional peaks throughout the song. Wheldon’s songwriting is simply stunning, with images occupying the listener's mind every step of the way, and his vocals do complete justice in capturing the viscerality of the lyrics. The lyrics capture the pain that consumes us when we find ourselves needing someone who is out of our reach.
Agitated State - Another Day in Paradise
Packed with energy from notes stretching from the start to the finish, ‘Another Day in Paradise’ by Agitated State is all about looking ahead, despite what obstructions come our way, because there is always another day in the paradise we call earth. The instrumentation is guitar driven, with fierce, fiery guitar riffs characterising the track, including solo sections that elevate the song tremendously. The song has a 90s Britpop energy to it, with the anthemic quality that it showcases. The vocals are rugged and rough, further cementing the unapologetic energy that is exuded by the track. If you are looking for music that sheds all pretense and chases pure energy, then this should be on your list.
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