In LITM Pop Picks this week, Lapenzi, Kärma Sounds, Joe Lington and others deliver emotionally charged ballads, soulful melodies, and dancefloor hits

In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, we take you on a musical journey from heartfelt love songs to club hits from artists Lapenzi, Johnaé Elease, NEO & NEO, Kärma Sounds, and Joe Lington.

Lapenzi - Pretend

Australian singer-songwriter Lapenzi’s latest release titled “Pretend” is an emotive musical outpour of a dejected lover. The penetrative tonality of the singer’s voice shines bright over soothing piano melodies. It immediately reminds you of the vocal texture and writing style of artists like Miley Cyrus. Lyrically, the track is a hymn for broken hearts; traversing topics of loss, yearning and attachment. The song has a tendency to wring your heart strings, emanating a sense of melancholy and emotional release. Towards the end, the song beautifully culminates into pure and raw singing and solitary piano keys that linger in your mind long after the song’s over. 

Johnaé Elease - Headphones

Singer-songwriter and mental health advocate, Johnaé Elease’s new track titled “Headphones”  provides a musical companion to all those feeling overwhelmed by society, burnt out and experiencing the anxiety of infinite choices. Her heart-felt vocal rendition of the lyrics convey the beauty and power of music to offer a safe haven to anybody feeling anxious. She draws from her own experience of finding immense joy in “never-ending playlists” on an unsettling day. With vibrant peppy guitars, bubbly rhythm and soft harmonies this song feels like the gentle morning sun hitting your skin. If you’re having a not-so-okay day and are in need of a mood-lifter, then this is the song you need.

NEO & NEO - Stone In My Heart (Live At Hardstudios)

Stone In My Heart is NEO & NEO’s new indie release. With emotive chords, grounding beats and grunge vocals that deepen and soften in waves emphasizing the lyrical narrative, this song is meant for those times when you find yourself drawn into the current of introspection. As the song takes shape, sustained piano sounds surround the track driving feelings of melancholy and separation deep into your heart. This track’s musical expression is reminiscent of sounds from Coldplay, Kodaline and others. The lyrics allude to gloomy days that bring an air of contemplation. It addresses the weight of one’s inner chasm and explores concepts of attachment and absence. 

Karmä Sounds - Mysterious

Mysterious is a high-energy club-banger type of a song released by Kärma Sounds, the moniker of Karina Morin, a Vancouver based artist. The electro-pop track is a shot of adrenaline packed with dance beats, funk and synth elements. The singer’s emphatic voice and sonic range clearly exhibits her vocal influences by artists like Erykah Badu, Sade and Chaka Khan. Through the lyrics we hear a story about being curious, impulsive and free in love.   As the song progresses, slinky guitar riffs, squiggly bass notes and electronic pulses merge together, creating a dreamy cosmic soundscape. This song sonically paints a picture of what it might feel like to be transported to a dance-club in another planet, where you have just locked eyes with a potential beau. Because why not, “Life’s too serious” and you want to “Keep it mysterious”.

Joe Lington - You & Me 

With “You & Me” Joe Lington renders a groovy sonic narrative on love. The song’s twangy acoustics, bass notes, passionately husky vocals, and soft rock beats draws listeners in and never loses their attention. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of love and togetherness, while the music's suave melodies and unhurried tempo enhances the song's nostalgic charm. If you enjoy the French language, then you’re in for a treat– a French verse in the second half vocally delivered with raw authenticity. The instrumental arrangement is tastefully understated, allowing the vocals and lyrics to shine. This track is sure to strike a chord with anyone who's ever been in love.

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Vibe with the Potent Alt-Pop Blends of this Week's LITM Pop Picks with artists like Faceless, Jalisa Denise, and others

Vibe with the Potent Alt-Pop Blends of this Week's LITM Pop Picks with artists like Faceless, Jalisa Denise, and others

Faceless - A jamais

Faceless is a pop band with an incredible sonic movement. Their track, A jamais or ‘forever’ blends old-school pop culture with contemporary electronica. Uplifting, sincere, positive, and passionate, the track is instantly reminiscent of artists like Blue, Usher, and the like. With soft influences of R&B mixed into it, the band drives it to a feel-good space. The production value of the song is also pretty affecting. Active beats and rhythms are tempered by the retro R&B vocals. Slow and suave, it unfurls with the natural momentum of the emotion, blossoming a kind of dreamy presence into the melodic sphere. 

Desert Life - Let it All Pass

Desert Life is the alt-folk and soul pop manifestation of Welsh singer-songwriter, Chris Swales, and multi instrumentalist, Tom Jordan. With delicate weaves of instrumentation and contemplative vocal narratives, the duo has the sonic inclinations of artists like Nick Drake, Neil Young, and Sufjan Stevens. Desert Life has just released their latest album, ‘Let it All Pass’. Its title track sets out the musical thema and lilting appeal of the artists. With frames of glinting acoustics, soft blues, and ruminative lyricism, the listening experience is shaped by the core artistic essence of Desert Life - poetry, wisdom, and storytelling. 

Jalisa Denice - Get to Work 

London-based singer-songwriter and R&B artist, Jalisa Denice has a distinctive vision when it comes to her music. Bringing subtle electronic and experimental elements to her soul soundscapes, she reveals a new side of the genre. Her latest single, ‘Get to Work’ perfectly exemplified this. Opening with robotic/futuristic electronica and beats, she progressively parallels its modernity with good old 90s R&B vocals. There’s also a hip-hop edge that you can pick up in the beat accessories and rhythm design. So the listener is left reminiscing about artists like Boyz II Men, Kelly, and Destiny’s Child. 

Sugar Pill - what you thought I didn’t know 

This next track is the sophomore release by singer-songwriter and bedroom-pop artist, Sugar Pill. The project is described as a journey through anxiety, trauma, and self-compassion. Through soft lyrical lines and glassy vocals, the artist takes us to affecting spaces of melancholy. With ‘what you thought I didn’t know’ Sugar Pill dispels an air of romanticism, using its vast pallet to delve deeper into human connections and the psychologies that they are wrapped in. With lo-fi synths and acoustics, she dresses the soundscape in boundless melodrama, one that she reinforces spectacularly and youthfully with her vocals. 

Holly Jade - Don’t Freak Out 

From down south, we have Australian Alt-pop artist, Holly Jade concluding our list with her dark and emo pop single, ‘Don’t Freak Out’. Despite the use of simple and minimalistic  sonic strokes, the track is not devoid of character and personality. The song shows off contemporary pop influences of artists like Billie Eilish, Lorde, and perhaps even Doja Cat. She lets the soundscape mold and take the emotional lead. Her verses are textured and rhythmized by hip-hop beats, echoing sonics, dark melodies, all enveloped in a haunting allure. And as you listen to it, you’ll experience the interconnectedness of the whole soundscape as it beautifully shapes the theme. 

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This week's LITM Rock Picks brings heavy duty rhythms, classic rock beats, and powerful vocals from artists Book/Spirit, Pent Up!, The Project and others

LITM Rock Picks displays an array of rock sounds with alternative, noise, grunge and jazzy elements in this week’s edition featuring artists Book/Spirit, Pent Up!, Petrol, The Project and Onism E.

Book/Spirit - Meant To Be

Book/Spirit, a Brooklyn based alt-rock/noise rock outfit, released a new track titled “Meant To Be”, which is an absolute head-banger. The track starts off on a light guitar melody with an instant appeal. It gets sonically indulgent the next moment, with textured vocals, pulsing drums and throbbing bass notes that soar and plunge as the song goes on. As you settle into the track’s energy, a distorted guitar note fades into a whisper, which then grows into a dreamy melody supported by atmospheric sounds. You’ll then crash land into reality with the track’s power-packed chorus. The lyrics convey the emotional anguish of fighting for love that is getting more distant by the day. The track concludes with slowing rhythms and heavily distorted guitars much like the slowness and distortion in thoughts caused by losing a lover.

Pent Up!- Pepper

This blazing rock n’ roll track, rightly titled “Pepper” by Pent Up!, sets your musical taste buds on fire with its high-octane rhythm, thumping drums, grunge vocals and emphatic guitar riffs. You’re in for a treat if criminal romance excites you, as this song lyrically tells the story of an ephemeral romance full of passion and vigor between two outlaws. This song sonically induces the thrill of a bad romance that is all consuming, yet dangerous. It is the perfect choice of music when you are in need of an exciting story to daydream about or rage clean your home… you decide! 

Petrol - George VI (“Little Joey”)

George VI (“Little Joey”) is an upbeat yet chill indie rock track from Petrol, a Philadelphia based rock band. This track gives off a Foster The People or Børns–esque sound with vibey vocals, unvarying rhythm and unique guitar hooks. The track begins with a zippy instrumentation and you are greeted with a slick noodly guitar melody that will super glue itself to your ear! As the verses’ vocal melody etches itself in your brain, you will find yourself slowly grooving to the beat. With lyrics like “We all feel strong, yet waste away…”  and words like “collapse…slow decay”, the song tucks you in and gets you comfy with the idea of impending doom and, well, decay. If an apocalyptic future ever knocks at my door, this is the song I would greet it with.  

The Project - Best Days

Best Days by The Project, is a timeless rock track, bringing to life that 00s punchy electric guitar riffs and fast paced drumming. The Project, with root’s in the Cali-rock scene, skillfully fuses rock, metal and pop in this genre-bending track. Passionate vocal delivery, ringing rhythm guitars and a banger drum section drive the energy in this track, all the way up! This track offers a refreshing soft-paced segment in the second-half, to let you catch your breath, only to take it away soon after, with its heavy-duty rendition of the chorus. The lyrics evoke feelings of elation, enthusiasm and hope. This is definitely the kinda song you want to hear on the radio, while cruising down a road on a warm summer afternoon.

Onism E - I’m Sorry 

This indie rock track titled “I’m Sorry” by Onism E is one of those rare musical phenomena with a genius blend of acoustics. With a fierce vocal energy, tightly packed guitar sections, jazzy drums, and riveting guitar solos, Onism E concocts a potent sonic cocktail that will blow a fuse in your mind. The track swells with resounding rhythm guitar progressions that closely races the singer’s emotive voice putting up an electrifying show. The singer’s musical influences by artists like Patti Smith, Bonnie Raitt and Joan Jett is evident in her vocal delivery. The lyrics revolve around the concept of regret, assurance and zeal for life. This track is assertive, provocative and reassuring all at the same time!

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LITM Pop Picks this week brings you energetic beats, diverse vocal textures and futuristic sounds from artists Yael Lanciano, Duncan Spencer, Balloon Shed and others

This edition of LITM Pop Picks covers a wide range of musical expression ranging from peppy love songs, festive carols, moody tunes to otherworldly soundscapes from artists Yael Lanciano, D’Artagnan, H. Kink, Duncan Spencer and Balloon Shed.

Yael Lanciano - Runnin’ Away

With “Runnin’ Away” singer-songwriter Yael Lanciano takes us back to 2010’s pop music era. Using refreshing melodies and lively rhythm, she makes music that is reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen or Selena Gomez. The lyrics describe the singer’s sweet persuasion to her beloved who is in two minds about their connection. Yael’s lyrical prowess ensures that the vocals complement the musical background like hot chocolate to croissant. The song’s electric keys, dance beats and silvery vocals make it stand out. It’s also hard not to mention the praise-worthy production on this track. Send this to your crush and they might just inch a little closer to you.

D’Artagnan - Merry Christmas Darling

Christmas comes early this year with D’Artagnan’s new release titled “Merry Christmas Darling”. This track is a musical manifestation of gratitude, celebration and love. With tender vocals laid gently on jolly tunes and festive chimes, this track makes you want to open that xmas decorations box and get to work. The celebratory sounds of the chorus invokes feelings of love and joy that will spill on to your loved ones…through a phone call in case you’re home alone. This song will instantly transport you to snowy days, warm chocolate drinks and gift wrappers. A compulsory track for your Christmas party this year.

H. Kink - Once In A While

“Once In a While” is the opening track of H.Kink’s latest album “Karate”. A pensive and moody soundscape envelops the entirety of this track, setting the stage for the formidable auditory journey that is to come. Sharp pulsating beats, shifting vocal display, and dark melodies make this powerful pop-rock track one of a kind. H.Kink explores concepts of longing, emptiness and outrage through the lyrics. As the song progresses, it gets more entropic with increasing emotional tension, distorting melodies, dark electric notes and high-intensity vocals. This track aptly conveys the turmoil in a person’s mind caused by the bitter aftermath of bad love.  

Duncan Spencer - Paradise

Duncan Spencer soothes the listener with sentimental sounds and inspiring lyrical display in the likes of Coldplay or One Republic with his latest track “Paradise”. This track’s lulling piano notes, tranquil guitar riffs and relaxing rhythm will ease your aching soul. With empowering lyrics, this song will penetrate the layers of your mind and awaken powerful hope. Duncan’s deep voice gives off a feeling as though the singer is personally reaching out to you, especially during the lines “I know you’ll figure it out…” and “tell me honey, tell me honey, are you feeling alright…” This song is a sonic paradise for the ones feeling lost and in need of emotional strength and redirection.

Balloon Shed - Frank Says

Singer-songwriter Rowan Davies’ bedroom-pop and garage-rock project named “Balloon Shed” methodically blends genres in this new track titled “Frank Says”. There’s a nostalgic alt rock sound about this track with pop elements embedded in the musical crevices. The lyrics weave a futuristic story of a pioneer guiding his people to other worlds in search of life sustaining forces. Frank’s message is made loud and clear in this song- Each of these worlds suffer the same fate; of bloom and ruin. Ultimately, the souls that inhabit these worlds inherit the same fate. With soaring orchestral melodies, classic rock beats and energetic guitar riffs, Balloon Shed conjures up an animate musical backdrop for this prophetic space-age tale.

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