Retro music pulling the rope of influence in this edition of LITM Pop Picks, you’ll find yourself picturing being in them good ol’ days, when things were much more simpler. The list features Xeren Lia, Ian Ward, PAAB, and more.
Xeren Lia - I WANNA GO
Taking you for a ride along the coast of nostalgia, Xeren Lia’s ‘I WANNA GO’ is a track with textures so rich that you’ll find yourself coming back to it just to experience it all again. Evoking a strong sense of yearning and the want to do things differently, the song with its simple, conversational lyrics makes it one that you can easily connect with. There is a dusty, radio static like sound that influences the overall sound of the song, which further solidifies the idea of nostalgia. A song with a beautiful build-up, ‘I WANNA GO’ will have you missing moments in your life you haven’t yet had.
Ian Ward - You Can Do Better
A very 70s pop sound driving the track, ‘You Can Do Better’ by Ian Ward is one with a melody that you’ll find very difficult to get out of your head. The song is an anthem that urges people to take their life into their own hands. The lyrics “You say you can change the world / But you can’t do it just with words can you?” mirror the essence of the song. There is a beautiful blending of the acoustic and electric sound in the song, with fun guitar riffs and synth beats. The song builds up gradually and brilliantly and it’ll have hitting on rewind the moment you’re done with the first listen.
PAAB - To Heaven
An electronic-pop song that will make you imagine having the time of your life in the 80s, PAAB’s ‘To Heaven’ is one where the energy of the song never drops, keeping you on the edge throughout its 3:33 minutes. Layered synth and electronic beats that feel like a heart on an adrenaline surge, the song creates a dreamy atmosphere with a vibe that anything’s possible out there. The chorus that goes “Stardust in your eyes / Falling again / So hypnotised under your spell / With you I’m on the road to heaven” makes you feel what one feels when one’s falling in love – an intoxicating feeling.
Tuvaband - Galloping Chest
A song that will make your soul feel like it’s being lifted, Tuvaband’s ‘Galloping Chest’ will have your senses enchanted and begging for more. It focuses on the idea of being made to feel invisible in a relationship. There is both strength and softness in Tuva’s vocals, who is the voice behind Tuvaband, making the song extremely emotive. The song features a heartbeat like rhythm that stays consistent throughout the song. The song has in it what Florence & The Machine have in their songs, owing to their powerful vocals and ethereal soundscapes. A fresh take on indie-pop music, this song is sure to be a solid favourite if haunting vocals and dreamy soundscapes sound interesting to you.
Dale Frost - London Nights
Retro electronic music scene making its influence felt, ‘London Nights’ by Dale Frost sees a polish of modernity on the retro beats. Upbeat tempo characterised by swirling synths, the song also has a psychedelic feel about it. The song, like its title, focuses on what London nights have in store, from a queer lens. The lyrics “If loving you has made me rich / Baby I’m just drowning in it” show that underneath the electronic beats, emotions of love exist. The song will have you wanting to get into your car and drive through the night while listening to it, and if that sounds exciting to you, give this one a definite listen.
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