This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings you brights against darks, an edgy mix of blunt tones and sharp accents and a whole lot more. Featuring artists- Valaura, Dian Sheng, Dominic Wrana, Lucas & Steve and Junichi Yaro.
1. Valaura – Rust Belt Blues
Valaura’s latest track, ‘Rust Belt Blues,’ develops a crisp sound with dark tones layered across a grungy soundscape. The track features seamless tonal shifts between broody, menacing minor chords and an upbeat, perky set of chords, giving it a healthy jolt of static. There’s also a nice contrast between the bright vocal timbres and the undercurrent of dark, crunchy instrumentation that’s very experimental in approach. The arrangement maintains a peppy tempo but drastically drops it, almost pulling you right into the epicentre of the track as a unique way to build tension—and it works, almost like a slingshot. Other than being technically sound, it’s also wickedly fun. Check it out here-
2. Dian Sheng – Right Now
Another fun track on the list is ‘Right Now’ by Dian Sheng. It comes with a catch—i.e., a super catchy rhythm—along with an uplifting theme. With lyrics like “Let us come through” or “Be the one you always wanted,” it almost feels like the singer is extending an invite to the listener to join in the upward trajectory with the artist’s call-to-action style of writing. The show-stealing element of the track, however, is the interlude, which unexpectedly drops the most alluring and satisfying throat singing. Overall, it’s one of those tracks that would fit within a sports movie at the end.
3. Dominik Wrana – On the Road
This ambient rock track by Dominik Wrana evokes midnight desert landscapes with gritty vocals and a crisp soundscape. The track feels quite cinematic in approach with its moody palette, as the guitars add a fuzzy weight along with the silky bass against the contrasting vocal textures. The slow rock song begins with an industrial feel, but with a foggy intensity, with the drums paired with the soulful, crisp spread of instrumentation, evoking a satisfying tonal feel of thins and thicks within the soundscapes. It’s one of those songs you’d find yourself listening to on long drives or a song that gives you late-night company.
4. Lucas & Steve – Good Times
Dutch duo Lucas & Steve just dropped ‘Good Times’, a feverish explosion of colours and a swirl of electricity that would sweep the listener towards the dancefloor at a club. The beat is highly catchy and infectious, while the arrangement builds a slick electronica groove that starts with a few foot taps before launching into a full-blown dance battle. The arrangement layers silky synths in repeated grooves, while the foreground layers in abstract shapes, making the experience engaging and diverse. If this sounds like your cup of tea, look no further than ‘Good Times’.
5. Junichi Yano – Dazzling Girl
If you’re looking for something highly experimental and alternate, this Japanese track might just stop you in your tracks. Junichi Yano just dropped this vibrant and playful track with not just wholesome experimentation, but a beat that’s catchy and relaxing at the same time. The instrumentation is a sweeping, swirling simulation evoking all kinds of wacky imagery, while the vocals are sung in a drawl-delivery style, creating an abundance of shapes and textures throughout the song. From subtle instrumental riffs to murmuring basslines and raining synths, this track features a wide mix of new flavours. Listen here-
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