Whether it’s multi-cultural blends or instrumental fusions, we’ve got you covered in this edition of LITM Rock Picks . The list features Prem Byrne, Music UnLtd, Martin Kuiper, Andrew Schneider and The Plastic Pals.
1. Prem Byrne- Little
A soft rock foundation, shimmering instrumentals, and a few gingerly notes are what make this ‘Little’ song such an endearing track. The artist, Prem Byrne, pens a poignant "passing of the parenthood torch," reliving the experience of raising his daughter through lyrics that culminate in a sweet father-daughter tribute. Musically, the track follows a seemingly straightforward verse-chorus-verse arrangement, but the subtle ebbs and flows of the instrumentation shape the song into one cohesive narrative. The storytelling takes charge, and the music follows, pausing and reflecting with the singer, while the flute is another standout, working in tandem, evoking a sense of childhood innocence. If you’d like to try out a sleek Indo-western fusion, this is a great song to start with.
2. Music UnLtd- I Like Green Eyes Too
Another Indo-Western fusion on the list is ‘I Like Green Eyes Too’ by Music UnLtd. It is a charming track that pairs a soft, raw set of vocals with rustic instrumentation, drifting the listener into a momentary trance. The arrangement creates an unusual marriage of the piano and sitar, two distinctly different instruments, and by extension, two cultures, resulting in a harmonious blend. The underbed of tabla and drums creates a unique fusion as well, with the former adding intricate flourishes to the latter’s subtle variations. The overall soundscape is a bold combination of hazy yet sharp, with its many coexisting dualities, making the track a great listening experience from the soft rock genre!
3. Martin Kuiper- Time
If you’re yearning for some good old 90s-style rock, ‘Time’ would be a top recommendation. While the lyrics convey a cynical acceptance of time’s unwavering acceleration, the music offers a totally different vibe. It’s fun, catchy, and definitely a song you can enjoy whether you’re at a concert or driving in traffic. The guitars bring in a satisfying vintage crunch with their distortions and sharp tones, while the bass and drums offer some fun variations, all pooling together to form one soulful symphony. The lead singer’s delivery is on point, hitting that nostalgic sweet spot. Overall, a great vibe that’s sure to take you back in ‘Time’ to that era of music.
4. Andrew Schneider- Astonish Me
A catchy track with a strong, smoky flavour, ‘Astonish Me’ carries an infectious beat and a melody draped in an air of mystery. The track is well-paced and headbang-worthy with each instrument getting a share of the spotlight, rather than just the lead vocals. The singer’s husky textures pair well with the distorted guitars, and the instrumental grooves build up to a satisfying conclusion after a climactic unfolding of all the instrumental variations. The trumpets are a brilliant addition, changing the song’s soundscape to a more theatrical atmosphere. This track is definitely a must-add to the ambient rock playlist.
5. The Plastic Pals- Saturday Night Sunday Morning
This track is more than just a song about the weekends or the days of the week; it’s a wholesome recounting of the motions leading up to the end of the week in an effortlessly breezy way. It’s a great reminder to enjoy the smaller moments of life with lyrics like “Piled up passions, slated for Crashville, exploding on Saturday night”. The music is a fast-paced early 2000s era soundscape that wouldn’t feel too out of place in the third act of a slice-of-life film. The drums, guitars, and bass launch into their own grooves, easily synergising into one cohesive unit while the vocals glide atop these layers. If that sounds like your vibe, this is a track worth visiting.
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