LITM Rock Picks Tunes for your weekend playlist brought to you by The Zangwills, Arcane Grace, BARCLAY’S, Trashy Annie and Josh Orange.
The Zangwills – Beers with the Beekeeper
The Zangwills' "Beers with the Beekeeper" is an ode to the unintentional enchantment of middle-of-the-night pub word-of-the-night counselling sessions. Based on a ridiculous metaphor of love's bite and the soothing power of a beekeeper, the song seamlessly interweaves wit and self-reflection.
Starting with jingling guitars and sharp drums, the track is evocative of sunbeams dancing on a pint glass, holding you hostage in its fizzy, warm beat. Jake Vickers' vocals move from hushed whisper to outraged shrieks, following the emotional buildup of an argument with a stranger.
Recorded at Voltalab Studios, amidst the entire sweep of the genre's history, the recording is a masterclass in letting simplicity fly. The instruments are handled with reverence, producing a big but close sound.
With its offbeat narrative and summer-breezy demeanour, "Beers with the Beekeeper" grabs hold of those passing, unlikely moments of connection that linger long after the clock strikes last call.
2. Arcane Grace – Any Other Way
Arcane Grace's "Any Other Way" is an emotional rollercoaster masquerading as anthemic alternative rock. Featuring fervent guitar playing and contemplative lyrics, the song encourages listeners into a place of contemplation where heartache and hope meet.
The haunting melody's narrative exemplifies the struggle of endings and the gentle determination to put together the remainders. Phrases such as, "I wonder where this all went wrong, or maybe it's actually all right," are exemplary of the struggle in letting go and finding light in darkness.
Musically, the track is full and textured, with guitar melodies that harmonize beautifully with genuine vocals. Production captures every nuance, presenting a film-like experience that sounds both gritty and polished.
"Any Other Way" is a track that lingers, requiring listeners to press replay as they navigate their own moments of sanity and madness.
3. BARCLAY'S – Comatose
"Comatose" by BARCLAY'S is a spine-tingling rock ballad that explores deeply themes of disillusion and seeking meaning. The track starts gloomily enough with a somber piano and strings accompaniment before gradually erupting into a chaotic explosion of guitars and anguished vocals.
The lyrics are reflective, a plea for something authentic amidst a world controlled by trends and superficiality. Phrases such as, "Looking for forgiveness and the seventh wonder," are lines that seek spirituality, contributing to the added layers of undertones of the song.
Musically, the song oscillates between soft and intense moods with opposing dynamics that keep listeners hooked. The passionate singing adds yet another layer of depth, making the song emotionally resonant.
"Comatose" is more than a power ballad, its a profoundly moving observation of the human condition, presented both in terms of raw emotion and sonic complexity.
4. Trashy Annie – Some Strange
Trashy Annie's "Some Strange" is an angry, unremitting rock anthem that manages to distill the raw adrenaline of life on tour. Co-written with rock veteran Thommy Price, the single boasts a gritty, old-school glaze that's both nostalgic and brazenly new.
Driven by a guitar riff and swaggering vocals, "Some Strange" paints a scene of foggy dive bars, seedy motels, and desperate moments of unstoppable passion. The raw, uncontrolled sound of the song and its defiance bring to mind the spirit of early rock 'n' roll, but with a whiskey-stained edge.
Lyrically, the song plunges into lust and abandon, a no-holds-barred view of love's wilder nature. Production is similarly unfiltered, each note and lyric pounding with full force.
"Some Strange" is an adrenaline rush into the flaws that makes Trashy Annie's talent for producing dangerous and unforgettable rock music.
5. Josh Orange – Believers & Dreamers
Josh Orange's "Believers & Dreamers" is a righteous protest song that weaves together protest and poetry in the manner few songs do. From the very first strum, the song brews with anger and righteousness toward greed and corruption in society balanced with shots of beauty and fragility.
The arrangement of the song is large and complex, with a subtle harp line dancing over chunky guitars and a reedier saxophone hook. The interplay between rawness and dainty sweetness mirrors the song's theme: fighting darkness while keeping humanity alive.
Gordon Burke's lyrics are unrelenting, offering scathing indictments of contemporary wrongs. But the song never becomes heavy-handed owing to its high-energy arrangement and triumphant climaxes.
With its honest production, heart-on-sleeve delivery, and eternal relevance, "Believers & Dreamers" is a tour-de-force by a group of musicians who have no intention of putting their feet on the ground. Josh Orange demonstrates again that music can be a force for transformation.
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