From subtle vocals to cathartic releases, this edition of LITM Rock Picks has got you covered. Featuring artists- LESS, Forgotten Garden, The Reclaimer, Abby Lee, and Carley Varley.
1. LESS- Hellya
‘Hellya’ is one of those tracks that’ll remind you of the old cassette and tape recorder days, as it’s got that 90s charm of a coming-of-age flick. From the vocals to the instrumentation, the arrangement is vibrant and electric; the artist really packs a good punch with this song. It starts off with a friendly, easy-going beat, and there’s an innocence to the melody that’s endearing. The underbed of distorted guitars is paired well with the soft vocals, but the chorus, however, is a powerful release of tension that was built in the verses, and the singer belts out with ease. The accompanying harmony also has that classic 90s vibe. If this piqued your interest, give it a listen here-
2. Forgotten Garden- Overlord
Forgotten Garden effortlessly delivers a silky soft-rock emulsion with their track ‘Overlord’. It’s got those soft distorted chords that bring a comforting vibe, which work well with the misty vocals. The song begins with a tinkering bassline, almost as if it’s dialling a number, but picks up a beat along the way, as the hazy guitar plucking sets the tone for the song, while in the forefront, the vocals form a sweet overlay, but at the same time, a soft catharsis. The track deviates a bit from the standard structure and the composition adds a unique depth to the lyrics; for example, the line “smokescreen gangster yeah” is followed by a soft smoky echo. Given the song’s theme revolving around the central character’s greed, the music itself offers cosy escapism to those who relate, and a great tune for those simply looking to vibe.
3. The Reclaimer- Give It Back
‘Give It Back’ is a grungy manifesto, taking rock back to its roots. It uses earthy chords and tones in its composition that would make it stand out as a track, delivering a solid number. In some ways, it feels like the musings of a mysterious figure sitting in a dark corner of a tavern. The arrangement has the bass and drums maintain a steady, assertive pulse through the verses and reign in the intensity during the choruses and the bridge. The guitars crackle with distortions in some parts of the track, and in the other parts, deliver a feverish haze, while the vocals pair that with a raw and slightly gravelly texture. Technically, the song is lyrically genius with nearly every line, such as “eyes gone hollow from all they’ve been through, now I walk forward with an open hand”, and in an overall sense, the writing is quite thought-provoking with its themes. Give it a listen here-
4. Abby Lee- Death of Me
Abby Lee’s “Death of Me” is a solid power ballad with the theme of ‘letting go’, and is a great addition to the blues genre. The song takes you through all the motions of grieving- from guilt, sadness, and recovery- using its lyrics and instruments. The showstopping feature is the vocals, which stand out in terms of technique, texture, and ferocity, as the singer effortlessly delivers, whether belting out long notes or singing a powerful vibrato and then transitioning into a softer, more cushiony style. The subtle interjections of guitar and piano notes add great finishing touches to the overall score. All in all, a very well-crafted track!
5. Carley Varley- Butterflies
A cathartic confession of heartbreak, ‘Butterflies’ could offer both a space to cocoon away or a fleeting escape. It’s an alternative rock song but with a blend of electronica, as it has a soundscape that’ll draw the listener in, and a varied arrangement that would keep anyone hooked. The singer’s vocals might remind you of both Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams of Paramore. With its distorted guitars and high-intensity drumming, the arrangement has the instruments work as a powerful undercurrent to propel and echo the singer’s energy, as she sings about themes of pain and heartbreak. Listen here-
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