From upbeat to low-key, this edition of LITM Rock Picks brings you intriguing genre blends, from the artists, Vai Van Vaughan, Piper Connolly, Mark Garvey, Andrei British and We As Gods.
1. Vai Van Vaughan – Smile
Vai Van Vaughan has just dropped their latest alt-rock single, ‘Smile’, a dark, moody soundscape led by guitars playing catchy riffs as the singer talks about the subject’s haunting smile. Painted in jagged lines and sepia tones, the sonic atmosphere brings a charred flavor, while the vocal mix uses echoing and drifty reverbs, giving the track a moody afterglow. The grungy, bass-heavy tonal landscape and compressed vocals are a bit reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys, but lean heavier on raw, rocky textures with a solemn, vibe-y presence that comes through in both the instrumentation and the lyrics.
2. Piper Connolly – Unapologetic
Piper comes in strong with powerful vocals, catchy, infectious hook lines, and an unabashedly "be yourself" take-home message. The song is upbeat not just in its positive messaging, but also in its instrumentation, which moves from soft and subtle to bold and powerful. Starting with rustic acoustic guitar and vocals, the track builds up to an anthemic chorus using high-octane power chords from the guitars and synths. It’s very much like the tracks you’d hear in the 2000s, with its pacing, signature pop-rock style, and femme-forward themes. The vocals are crisp yet resonant, making the tune pure earworm material from the very first listen.
3. Mark Garvey – Truck Fump
‘Truck Fump’, as the title suggests, holds nothing back. From its tongue-in-cheek nods to its sardonic jibes, it’s certain to make critics chuckle. The track accomplishes its goal of creating an entertaining "uno-reverse" moment, dropping quick-fire rounds of rap-rock verses calling out the bizarre statements made by a politician. At the same time, it doesn't take itself too seriously as the "next political anthem" while staying firmly committed to its theme of dissent. Accompanied by a highly entertaining video, it’s well worth the watch for its cheeky news ticker and meme-ified editing style. Check it out here-
4. Andrei British – Power Up
Another high-energy number, Andrei British’s latest, ‘Power Up’, will pull you onto the dance floor from the second it starts, thanks to its entertaining hooks and boogie-woogie, swing-style arrangement. The song, crafted with AI-assisted tools, features bursts of instrumentation from all sides, carrying you through vibrant verses and choruses. With its liberal use of brass flourishes—which at times echo the singer and at others move to their own beat—alongside flouncy piano entries, sharp guitar riffs, groovy bass notes, and the powerful, punchy vocals from Bec Hollcraft, it’s a full sonic spectacle. Despite the maximalism of the arrangement, space is left for the sound to taper in and out, building up anticipation and release to create a fun playground where the instruments can have a great jam session. Check it out here-
5. We as Gods – A Human Like You
If you’re looking for a chill track with cozy, moody riffs and experimental genre bends, look no further than ‘A Human Like You’ by We as Gods. A project by Brazilian producer Thiago Barlanza, the song features an unexpected, mystical blend of psychedelic pop and alt-rock. It’s got a slow-swaying vibe with floaty instrumentation and soothing vocals enhanced by a hypnotic mix, creating a gradual fragmentation of tones that leads the mind into stimulating sensory loops. The drum patterns and vocal textures slowly guide you through the track, making this a low-key piece you could drift off to or put on as a de-stressor. Check it out here-
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