This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings you rare finds from underrated genres, including art rock, K-metal, soft rock, experimental soul, and more! Featuring artists - UMF, Ulrich Jannert, The Essence of The Universe, The Lunar Keys, and 4fro Nick.
1. UMF – Märzen
Seoul-based band UMF packs in several punches with their latest track ‘Märzen’. The art-rock band go from zero to a hundred within the first few seconds, dropping high-octane riffs as they rip into the song with scathing basslines and drum fills. The synths and guitars make grand entrances between every vocal segment, never letting the momentum drop for a second. The heavy metal instrumentation is paired with the signature ‘kawaii’ vocal style of sharp electronic overtones; popular in the K-metal and Kawaii Metal genres—resulting in a synergy of peppy, vibrant, and cutesy tones against gritty backdrops with double bass pedals and adrenaline-fueled rhythm shifts.
2. Ulrich Jannert – All In
In a change of pace from the previous track, this one offers a slow-burn, uplifting vibe, full of gritty textures against soft, silky ones. Ulrich Jannert’s soul-and-soft-rock blend, ‘All In’, features an array of instrumentation, including piano, synths, and saxophone, peppered throughout the main bed of soft basslines and crisp drums. The lead vocals amp up the intensity with each segment, going from soulful and husky to powerful, raw, and gritty as the singer sings about living life fully, with no safety nets and no regrets. Though the saxophone’s appearance is short, it leaves that perfect soulful impact, giving the song a nice finishing touch.
3. The Essence of The Universe – Bring All Your Lovers
If you’re looking for something more alternative and experimental, The Essence of The Universe has a unique one. ‘Bring All Your Lovers’ combines a soft surface simmer with a hypnotic underbed swirl, creating a slow, haunting effect. The song starts with feverish, metallic textures and an immersive rhythm that pulls you all the way into the song's core, until the tension is unleashed outward in the chorus—almost as if it's unleashed into the wild. The vocals combine and sing outward with sharp tones and full chests, giving that cathartic feel. The eclectic assembling of tones slowly succumbs to discordant riffs as each note starts entangling within the main undercurrent, taking the listener to unexpected territory with a resounding finish.
4. The Lunar Keys – Everything
Another song that starts with a hypnotic slow boil and picks up steam towards the end is The Lunar Keys’ ‘Everything’. The song has a distinctly dark alternative sound with earthy tones and unusual rhythmic shifts that end up taking the listener through different mood shifts in each segment. It goes from feverish and energetic to hypnotic and philosophical, almost as if the artists are navigating the bustle of busy streets and traffic jams, the song’s landscape drastically shifts, changing scenes at every street corner. It feels smooth and natural, never resulting in anything jarring, and works beautifully to drive the pulse and energy of the track home.
5. 4fro Nick – Don't Waste My Time (LA mix)
A funky presentation of jangly guitars, jazzy basslines, and scrunchy vocals, ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ brings a fresh sound to the party. The song has a distinct DNA with its soft vintage sheen and crisp soundscape. The instrumental mix keeps it airtight; whether it’s the subtle guitar overdrives or the soft blaring of the horns in the periphery, no single element tries to steal attention away from the overhead layers. Each instrument feels unique in personality, offering a variety of textures, but they all blend seamlessly together.
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