This LITM Rock Picks features whimsical arrangements, soothing tones and energetic vibes. Featuring artists Liri Dais, Den Edie, Mt. Kili, Shaky and Tabitha Zu.
1. Liri Dais – ‘Counting Hours’
Liri Dais just dropped their latest track ‘Counting Hours’, a song that cranks up the energy to a hundred, with its face blitzing riffs, crunchy guitars, high-octane drums, and full-throttle vocals. The artist builds a structurally sound landscape, pulling in foundational elements from various genres like alt-rock and metal. The tonal mix of anguish and power can be felt through the headphones, as each instrumental layer embodies the singer’s energy, propelling it to stratospheric levels, and overall, the dynamic interplay of riffs and melody lines within the structure makes for a great listening experience.
2. Den Edie – Wide Open
Den Edie’s ‘Wide Open’ is a track born from alt-rock experimentation with a slight dose of whimsy. With a mix of smooth and crackling textures, the instrumentation provides a dynamic underbed for the vocals to flow through. Every instrumental layer and vocal track bends and plays ever so slightly with the timing and melody lines, creating a woozy but approachable vibe. There’s never a dull moment, as fun additions appear at every corner of the arrangement. The air in the room is tonally happy, slightly tipsy, and 100% enthusiastic, resulting in a unique sonic experience.
3. Mt. Kily – Don’t Start a War
‘Don’t Start a War’ by Mt. Kili is one of those compositions that feels like a cosy corner of a bookshop or a cinematic walk in the rain. The track is laced with soft guitar chords, gentle bass hums, tender vocal quivers, and intimate melody lines, all working together without any single layer overpowering the others. The vocals and gentle plucks of the guitar open the track before the other instruments quietly kick in, immediately setting the tone. The soundscape brings out that ‘cosy’ element by maintaining an airtight arrangement and keeping the overall mix a perfect balance of crisp and hushed.
4. Shaky – Like What You See
Another song on the track list with a slight tilt of balance is ‘Like What You See’ by Shaky. The song feels like it’s inducing a flow state with its woozy bass, soothing textures, and gentle pops of instrumentation. The nonchalant vocals whimsically sing lines like “so I can make you my wife,” creating a contrast between a rock-solid structure and hazy atmospheric overhead tones. Streams of colour pop in and out of the soundscape within the composition, resulting in a uniquely floaty dreamscape with alt-rock-inspired undertones and playful arrangements.
5. Tabitha Zu – On Reality
‘On Reality’ by Tabitha Zu is a track that’ll bring out the inner extrovert molecule hidden deep inside the introvert, with its anthemic energy and high-octane riffing. Every instrument, from the drums to the bass and guitars, builds up the energy—cranking it from punchy to punchier right up until the end. The song has a strong, gritty flavour, steeped in low, crackly textures and vibrant colours. The contrast between the instrumentation and vocals is the standout element; the vocals have a softer, more youthful timbre compared to the track's vintage undercurrents. Overall, it’s a breath of fresh air with its compelling textures and vivid soundscape.
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