This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings to you 80s inspired rock Xmas tracks, tracks inspired by alien movies, to tracks capturing the old and the new perfectly. The list features Leafgarden, HEADleave, Bad Boy Butch Batson, and more.
Leafgarden - A Christmas Song
With the sound of the 80s driving the song, ‘A Christmas Song’ by Leafgarden is the kind of Xmas song that blends the quintessential rock sound of the eighties with the shimmering elements of the season. The instrumentation is dynamic and doesn’t try to overtly sound Christmas like. The lyricisms and the characteristic jingles add to the festiveness of the track. The sound does not stay monotonous and shifts around, bringing about nice textures to the song. If you’d like to enjoy a Xmas track that does the instrumentation very well and doesn’t try to be on the nose with the sound, then this one’s for you.
HEADleave - They Come Mostly at Night…Mostly
Drawing you into its extraterrestrial atmospheres, ‘They Come Mostly at Night…Mostly’ by HEADleave is an immediate must-listen if you are a fan of the movie ALIENS (1986). With grand, cinematic soundscapes this song is an ambitious musical project and it does complete justice to the ambition in its music of course, but also its music video. The track makes use of retro synths, dark sci-fi textures, and cinematic synthwaves predominantly to achieve the sound that is a fan-tribute to the film and the subsequent franchise. If you are in the mood for a space horror soundtrack then look no further than here, because this one captures the characteristic dark and tension filled atmosphere really well.
Bad Boy Butch Batson - Bulldog
Sound of the late 60s and 70s reigning strong, ‘Bulldog’ by Bad Boy Butch Batson will capture your auditory senses with its unique sound and thematics. The instrumentation of the song captures layered, dynamic guitars and a solid, steady drum pattern that create magnetic rhythms and melodies. The vocals are rugged and raw and perfectly complement the overall tones of the track. The song is upbeat, groovy, funky and exudes some grand energy that you simply can’t help but get taken over by. So if you like what you are reading, add this song to your playlist right this second.
The Spitting Pips - Vicious Circles
With a raw, magnetic guitar riff starting off the track, ‘Vicious Circles’ by The Spitting Pips will win you over with its charismatic personality. The guitars in this song do complete justice to the quintessential rock sound by being utterly dynamic, bold, and dynamic. The drums in the song are dynamic as well, changing momentum as the song moves. The vocals perfectly capture the grit and the rawness that the instrumentation exudes. The song will remind you of the sound of bands like Def Leppard and quite a few other 80s bands. The guitar solo towards the end of the track is simply mindblowing and will have you desperately hitting on the like button.
Getting Started - Easy Sympathy
Starting off with synths and then quickly adding on a solid guitar riff, ‘Easy Sympathy’ by Getting Started sounds like a sweet blend of the early 2000s and contemporary rock sound. The instrumentation is sharp, with every element – the guitars, the synths, the drums – standing distinct while complementing each other and coming together beautifully. The sound of the song might remind you of the earlier music of Coldplay, owing to the brilliant instrumentation choices and the overall textures of the track. The vocals too are raw with emotion and honesty, and sound achingly beautiful. This is a band that you should listen to at the earliest because they are just that good.
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here