This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings to you tracks that move from industrial goth to emo rock to rock influenced by Middle Eastern beats. The list features artists Layla Kaylif, She Becomes, The Kiss That Took A Trip, and more.
Layla Kaylif - Closer
Blending rock with a Middle Eastern pop sound, ‘Closer’ by Layla Kaylif is ambitious in its reach and does every bit of justice to its ambition. The song moves strongly towards its rock sound in the chorus section, while the verses strongly echo the Middle Eastern beat influenced arrangements. Kaylif’s vocals simply elevate the already musically elevated song further. Lyrically, the song alludes to the tensions that arise in love, regarding the idea of closeness where vulnerability and reason fight with one another, resulting in an emotionally turbulent ground. Unique and brilliant in its musicality and alluring and real in its thematics, the song is a guaranteed showstopper.
She Becomes - Necromancer
Embodying the punk, emo rock scene from the 2000s, ‘Necromancer’ by She Becomes will take you back in time while spellbinding you with its tunes. The soundscape is characterised by a typical emo rock instrumentation, with emotive and gritty guitar playing and pulsating drum patterns. The atmosphere that the song inhabits is one of reflection, introspection, and acceptance. The song is metaphorical and captures the idea of someone bringing you back to life from the dearths you were in, literally renewing your life. Whether you relate to the song thematically or not, this is a song you simply shouldn't miss out on.
The Kiss That Took A Trip - Horror Vacui
Bringing to you a soundscape you would least expect, ‘Horror Vacui’ by The Kiss That Took A Trip will have you under its hypnotic tunes. The song brings together multiple genres to create its soundscape, resulting in an erratic, eclectic sound. The sound is characterised by dissonance, lo-fi and ambient textures, besides the blend of rock, post-rock, pop elements. The most surprising entry into the soundscape is the saxophone, and is one of the embodiments of the eclectic in the track. This song will definitely take you on a whole journey in 20:52 minutes, that’s for sure, and if you’re in for that then save it to your playlist right now.
Vampire Liver Therapy - Kill Configurator
Making you feel like you’re part of some sci-fi movie universe, ‘Kill Configurator’ by Vampire Liver Therapy is here to add more flavour to your rock playlist with its unique soundscapes. The track blends electronic rock with industrial and gothic rock, creating a dark, mysterious atmosphere. The song also has a little bit of psychedelic rock going, owing to the hypnotic, trance-like effect it gives off. The themes are quite paradoxical, because the song expresses a kind of warning against the digital world, the machines, while keeping its soundscape fairly digital sounding. If you’re looking for something unique in the rock scene, definitely give this one a listen.
The Smoking Hiccup Machine - Servants Of The Sun
Brimming with grit through and through, ‘Servants Of The Sun’ by The Smoking Hiccup Machine is sure to create a hold on your senses. The guitar riff in the track is truly iconic and it makes its presence felt. The vocals in the song are an instrument in themself. They don’t follow any rules and have an air of spontaneity to them which truly sets them apart. The interplay of guitars towards the end is truly the cherry on top. We simply cannot emphasise enough on the brilliant guitar work on the song, and you should absolutely listen to this track for that as a starting point in the song.
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