LITM POP Picks Tunes To Turn Your Week Around Featuring Deborah Fitz, Silja Rós and Matilda

LITM Pop picks tunes that will surely turn your week around, featuring Deborah Fitz, Silja Rós and Matilda!

1. Deborah Fitz- The Puppet
   The debut single, "The Puppet," by Deborah Fitz is an intense trip that solidifies her position as a new force to be reckoned with in Northern Irish music. Recorded at Zero Hour Studios in Coleraine, the track employs imagery of puppetry to discuss the issues of control and self-ruling. Instead of seeming jaded, the imagery is salvaged by Fitz's raw lyricism and confident vocal performance. Pitting her alongside Amy Winehouse and Tracy Chapman, her voice is raw, lived-through, and tells it like it is.

   Michael's blues guitar accompaniments suit Fitz's vocals perfectly, delivering a rich but unobtrusive backdrop. The build of the track reflects its narrative in lyrics, expanding from introspective melancholy to stubborn declaration of independence. Combining emotional openness and accessibility, Fitz avoids self-indulgence, creating a track that will resonate with all.

   "The Puppet" is a crowning debut, showcasing Fitz's visual wealth and establishing her as an artist to be reckoned with.

2. Silja Rós- Lemons
Silja Rós's "Lemons" from her third studio album, ".letters from my past," is her trademark mix of Scandinavian pop and neo-soul. The song is a highlight in an album documenting introspection and self-improvement. Commended by meticulous care, "Lemons" is made possible by the collaborative efforts of Denmark and Iceland, jazz-laced rhythms, full brass sections, and muted textures of Rhodes piano.

Rós's singing style is far from interesting, marrying technical skill with emotional integrity at all points. Her ease in moving between styles, blending modern R&B beats and classic pop sensibilities, attests to the rigorous musical schooling she has received. The introspective lyrics of the song, drawn from private journals, guide fans into a deeply personal space without forsaking broad appeal.

"Lemons" is a testament to Silja Rós' artistic maturity as well as to her secure place among Iceland's most innovative and most interesting artists.

3. Matilda- Superpowers
Matilda's "Superpowers" is an uplifting song, gleefully celebrating the victory over adversity. With its radio-friendly sound and common inspirational messages, the single resonates with listeners of all music genres. Its propulsive energy comes from kinetic performance, like propulsive percussion and soaring synth timbres that generate the sense of drive and empowerment.

Matilda's vocals are the focus of the song, transitioning from heartfelt verses to a haunting chorus in a peaceful manner. Her lyrics are all about internal fortitude, accepting individual talents and using them in a struggle against hardship, so that the song is both a personal and generally inspiring song. The music in the song maintains its pop-oriented aspects in balance with a subtext of indie hipness, so that it speaks strongly to broad audiences.

"Superpowers" is one of those cheerful songs that brings together great melodies and a genuine message, putting Matilda in the position of an artist who is both entertaining and meaningful.

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LITM Rock Picks Tunes Brought To you By Sons of Chance, Ubiquity Machine, King in Yellow and More!

LITM Rock Picks Tracks to Jostle Up Your Playlist Featuring Sons of Chance, Ubiquity Machine, King in Yellow, Koburg and Chris Quesnel

1. Sons of Chance- Show Them
   Sons of Chance are not visiting to play- they're here to slay. With a chant-ready "woawaoah," Show Them takes us in on its inspiring vibe quicker than you can say "dance revolution." It's more than an indie alt-pop-rock tune; it's a movie anthem for those times when life has you beat, and you must get up like a phoenix with deadly dance skills.

   The words, "Get on your feet now, boy, show them you can shake and dance," may come across as basic party directions, but it's more than that. It's a rallying cry for battling the darkness of despair, a plea to reclaim your happiness, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to combat the blues is to boogie them into submission.

   From Fife, Scotland, this high-energy band understands how to blend metaphorical and uplifting lyrics with ageless instrumentation. Seriously, this may be the movie soundtrack of a Guy Ritchie montage- picture a tough underdog boxer fighting along with this playing. Straight-up gold. Sons of Chance are the motivational experts we never knew we needed. Now, we need to go add this gem to all playlists forever.

2. Ubiquity Machine- Angela
If longing had a theme song, it would be Ubiquity Machine's Angela. Half indie-rock soul and half melancholic electronic marvel, this song is like a love letter wrapped in fog and nostalgic longing. It's the aural equivalent of gazing out of a rainy window, pleading with the universe, "Do you even care, Angela?"

Dan Marsh and Howard Rabach, the DC dream team musicians, bring you layers of rich synths, eerie guitars, and words that punch you in the existential gut. Phrases like "You got the love I need, kinda love that I believe" are poem punches to the stomach. Do you believe in love, Angela? Do you?!

With over 100 songs to their name, Ubiquity Machine proves their storytelling prowess yet again. This one will haunt you- in the best way possible. Just don’t listen to it at 3 a.m. unless you’re prepared to spiral (with headphones on, of course).

3. King in Yellow- Dream Weapon
If only your most profound existential crisis had a killer soundtrack. That is Dream Weapon by King in Yellow. Inspired by the eerie, broken-up stories of Robert W. Chambers' The King in Yellow, this song is shoegaze, noise-rock, and new wave giving birth to a gorgeous melancholy child.

Unfurling at the margins like a memory torn away, the guitars keen, the feedback throbs, and the vocals- nearly a wail, almost a whisper—grieve what's lost. It's akin to hearing Pixies' Black Francis on the way home from a very bad day. The line "Dream Weapon is about delusion" sums up that sinking sensation when you discover the world isn't the way it appears—or the way you wished.

Kyle McDonough and Nick Vining make their Kingston, NY recording a fever dream that's well worth the wait. This is music for pacing the floor at 3 a.m., a ghost at your back, and questions you can't quite put into words. Haunting and hypnotic, Dream Weapon sticks with you long after the final note has sounded.

4. Koburg- Twisted Fairytale
Dive into Koburg's Twisted Fairytale gothic majesty, where symphonic metal and cinematic drama entwine. If Painted Stars does not give you chills, are you truly alive? Koburg's strong vocals sweep like a heroine battling her way through an enchanted forest- daring, lovely, and totally badass.

This record isn't music; it's an experience. Each song feels like it was ripped from the score of a dark fantasy epic. The name implies a reinterpretation of fairy tales, but darker, grittier, and more emotionally-packed. It's like if Maleficent had formed a metal band and went on tour across the realms.

Die-hard symphonic metal and theatricality fans will adore Koburg's transformation as an artist. This album is just what you need for those times when you want to be empowered, exposed, and transported to another world- simultaneously.

5. Chris Quesnel – Tarantino

Lights, camera, summer feeling! Chris Quesnel's Tarantino isn't a song- it's a mood. Picture a sun-kissed montage of road trips, beach excursions, and serendipitous meetings with a stranger who just might become the love of your life. This alt-pop pearl is your new summer jam.

The track’s soaring guitars and infectious melody feel like Party in the U.S.A. met indie cool at a music festival and decided to stay up all night talking about fleeting love and serendipity. It’s bright, fun, and oh-so-relatable, especially if you’ve ever experienced that spark of connection with someone new.

With Californian producer Matthew May's output, Quesnel is able to capture the thrill of a summer romance in a catchy but non-clichéd fashion. Tarantino is the musical equivalent of the ideal pair of sunglasses- cool, effortless, and guaranteed to make everything a little more radiant.

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This Week's LITM Rock gets artful with artists like Weslynn, 14Flamingos, Joe Hudson and Others

Weslynn - Love and Let Go 

Weslynn releases their latest, ‘Love and Let Go’ an electro rock anthem about the passage of love. The duo put on quite an immersive song, expanding it with deep thought, soulful vocals, authentic emotions, and beautiful musical craft. All these elements have a seamless way of wrapping into each other, giving life to the grandeur of the scene, the fragility of the feeling, and the power of the experience. Instrumentally, the soundscape is reminiscent of the late 2000s and early 2010s. Acoustics excited by synths, surging melodies, and an evocative beat trajectory that will leave you feeling so viscerally. It’s one of those tracks that are alive and if you reach out, you can feel it breathing. 

14 Flamingos - The Duke 

14 Flamingos is an indie band with such a wonderfully absurd interpretation of the genre. It is funky, warped, sharp, and angled in every way. Their latest release is ‘The Duke’, an art rock exploration with moments of softening blues, jazz experiments, sunny tones, and moody rock. The result is a soundscape that makes you feel like you’re in an interesting bar with visual lights, warm vibrance, magical air; an intimate alternative scene that feels surreal. Its classic rock and retro folk accents are made to lift into neo rock, contemporary craft, and creative executions. 

Centrifuge - You Are Yesterday 

Centrifuge keeps it hot and tight with their latest release, ‘ You Are Yesterday’. The alt rock song is packed with charismatic guitar work, a web, a groove, a network, a language that spreads across the soundscape with so much personality. Riffs, synth keys, beats, and the vocals do some great atmosphere work, casting the listener in a day dreaming, sunny frame with an underbelly of heavier s times. The sliding rhythms have a retro feel to it. Add to that the varied textures and tonalities of the melodies. With vocals ushering in a whole other layer of experience, this is the perfect track for you if you’re in the mood for dynamism. 

Joe Hodgson - Since You Had a Hold on Me 

Joe Hodgson is a guitarist and writer. He has crafty fingers and a spectacular way with music. When you listen to his music, it feels like you’re witnessing a conversation between two pals. In his latest release, ‘Since You Had a Hold On Me’, featuring guest vocalist Glen Harkin, the artist speculates a blues song, so deeply entrenched with country style, motifs, and influences. His guitar work is as sophisticated and true as 20th century blues artists. The Hammond organ and the guitar respond to him in a way that fosters a whole presence. So rich and enriching that you can’t get enough. Joe does a great job in conveying the culture of the style, the story of the song, and the intoxicating appeal of his artistry. Listen Now! 

Jesse Blake Rundle - Continuous, Wait 

With this latest release, ‘Continuous, Wait’ Jesse Blake Rundle claims another shade of melancholy. The artist’s indie rock style is entrenched in folk acoustics, coming alive in the creative blending of them. In the song, he explores the expansive nothingness of the theme, the continuum of the scene, minutes, the hours, the days. He blurs the textures to a point of abstract, to an inexplicable point that can only be understood by the emotional quotients. And in this journey, he fleshes out the human experience in such a remarkable way. It is intimate, personal, and so poetically profound. 

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This week's LITM Pop Picks is an Alternative Dream Pop Flow with Moon Club, Stephen Stanley, and Solu

Moon Club - Utopia 90 

Moon Club is an alt pop duo building new worlds with their music. Their songs carry the nocturnal moods and magic of the moon, weaving it with mystique into their songs. ‘Utopia 90’ is their latest release that blends blues with R&B, summer imagery, glassy melodies, and jazzy pop. It is vivid and visual with soft undertones of psychedelia. The loose, hypnotic grooves unravel throughout the soundscape, lifting into the smoky vocals. Everything about it is a daze wash, a great track to get lost to, stray with, and just float away into infinity. The artists aim to elevate the listener, casting them in spheres of cerebral sounds and floating landscapes. 

Stephen Stanley - trustfall 

Stephen Stanley is a singer-songwriter and an alt pop artist with an emotional divulgence that is so deep and profound. His music holds a piece of him, a meaningful, important piece as he seeks to authentically connect with his listeners. His latest release is the ‘trustfall’ album with its title track exemplifies the expanse; of his vocal range, the world that it contains, and the magnificence of the thematic experience. The track is designed to hold infinity within it. Elastic and expressive, it stretches on, allowing the artist to explore, contemplate and play with melody, emotion, and storytelling. Listen Now! 

Solum - Hold On

Solum is an alt pop artist and a singer-songwriter who crafts a fusion love song with his latest release, ‘Hold On’. The track is a smooth blend of pop, emo, trap, soul, and hip-hop; with his vocals carrying all these styles with authentic thematic passion. Despite the depth, gravity, and intensity of the emotion expressed, the design is kept light, drifting, and playful. As you listen, you get a glimpse of the protagonist and his relationship; feel the soul mate kind of bond where both of them are everything to each other. Friend, lover, partner, family, and everything in between. The irreversibility is felt by the listener and rooted for. 

Kristy Chmura - Wake Up 

With Kristy Chmura, electro pop takes on a whole new idea. The singer-songwriter and pop artist blends elements of contemporary pop with modern electronic influences, keeping it immersive and affecting across the board. Her latest release is ‘Wake Up’, a track that combines a dynamic bass-beat line with a plush, expansive and effortless vocal ranges. She arranges them with a mellow contrasting gradient, carrying it into the theme of coming to a realization, of waking up. The melodies are so rich, suggesting a depth that you can get into, explore and cruise through. And her vocals, so vast, circles it with context, makes it meaningful and sets you on an epiphanic path. 

Layla Kaylif - God’s Keeper 

The artist, Layla Kaylif is an English-Arabic singer-songwriter whose style is forged with creativity, modern interpretations, and a strong sense of individuality. As a lover of classic poetry and prose, she revives it for this time, keeping it real and relevant. Her latest release is ‘Gate Keeper’. With a narrative prowess, she calls strong imagery to mind and fills them with her vocal emotion. There is so much conviction in her style, a passionate intensity that she embraces and maximises with her presentations. And here, in this song, she brings divine imagery, light and dark, to shape the themes with power, protection, beauty, and surrender. Listen Now! 

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LITM Rock Picks Tunes to Vibe on Featuring Vanderwolf, Stell and The Comedown Club, Billboard Echo and more!

LITM Rock picks tunes brought to you by Vanderwolf, Stell and The Comedown Club, Billboard Echo, CATSINGTON and Ebb & Nova!

1. Vanderwolf - Twice in a Lifetime
   Vanderwolf's "Twice in a Lifetime" distils a wistful, yet incisive critique of contemporary culture with music that straddles the iconic past and introspective present. With a bright melody recalling late-period Beatles and a minimalist Electric Light Orchestra, the song navigates colorful pop-rock energy and contemplative neo-soul poise. The production is an easy fusion of classic reference and contemporary relevance, demonstrating Vanderwolf's ability to layer old sounds with new interpretations.

   The lyrical richness probes the Western world's fixation on mythologizing its pop stars, challenging the burden this puts on those who are required to project an idealized persona. Vanderwolf presents this in a tongue-in-cheek manner, which renders the criticism accessible and provocative.

   Director George Panagakos supports the song with an equally remarkable visual story, carrying themes of societal treatment of icons. Throughout this continued to surprise, "Twice in a Lifetime" establishes him as a witty artist who defies expectations.

2. Stell and The Comedown Club- Change Your Mind
Stell and the Comedown Club bring an electrifying rock anthem with "Change Your Mind." This Bristol collective brings together hook-laden guitar playing with a forceful vocal range that encompasses emotional outbursts and ethereal downturns. Originally written on piano, the song has evolved into a high-octane melodic rock affair that captures audiences with its thumping energy and sincere lyricism.

The tune's architecture nostalgically recalls The Strokes, with rhythm guitars locked into a frantic pace and the lead melody screaming with passion. Stell Kousiounis' voice is one of longing as he croons such lines as "if I could change your mind, would you stay the night?" The catchy hook of the chorus, "time flies when you're losing your mind," is both ubiquitous and contemplative, capturing the emotional tug-of-war of unrequited love perfectly.

From its anthemic vocals to its complex guitar solo, "Change Your Mind" is a monument to Stell's skill at creating replayable rock.

3. Billboard Echo- Trivialities (One Take)
"Trivialities (One Take)" by Billboard Echo is a raw, emotional foray into the nuances of human feeling. The one-take nature of the track has an unmistakable honesty to it, conveying a sense of intimacy and spontaneity that borders on being a private concert. Billboard Echo's sparse production aesthetic is served well here, with the track's essence- its affecting words and memorable melody—brought to the forefront.

The album delves into the beauty and agony of the mundane, with lyrical introspection on momentary things and the little, easily overlooked aspects that define us. The instrumentation is subtle yet powerful, so that every note and word carries great weight.

As the song progresses, the emotional weight piles up slowly, reaching its climax in the form of a fierce but restrained crescendo. "Trivialities (One Take)" is a testament to the theory that simplicity, when played with sincerity and accuracy, can be very powerful. It's a song that echoes on long after it's over, compelling one to search for substance in the ordinary.

4. CATSINGTON- greener greens
CATSINGTON's "Greener Greens" is a laid-back but reflective tune that pairs sun-drenched melodies with introspective lyrics. The song is performed with a laid-back attitude, blending indie-pop and acoustic folk to create a warm and inviting soundscape.

Lyrically, "Greener Greens" reflects on the age-old human condition to want something else, even when what is present is plentiful. The sing-along yet contemplative chorus asks a soft question about seeking happiness and whether the grass really is greener somewhere else.

The instrumentation is understated but vibrant, with soft guitar plucks and soft percussive strikes creating a soothing rhythm. CATSINGTON's voice is smooth and emotive, and it perfectly complements the song's reflective mood. "Greener Greens" is a comforting listen and a reflective examination of happiness, and it's a song that resonates on multiple levels.

5. Ebb & Nova- Call Me Queen
"Call Me Queen" by Ebb & Nova is an anthem that starts demanding attention from its very first note, unapologetically swaggering onto the stage with royal swagger. With a guitar performance that would get even Jimmy Page giving it a nod of approval, the song invites the listener into a dramatic ride on the back of textured drums and melodics heavy on drama. From the very start, the track aims to be an unrepentant affirmation of individual control, with Lauren Padgett's rich opening couplets: "You're in my world, you walk in my shoes, I'm seeing red…"

What starts as a complex guitar-and-drumline dance soon crescendos into an epic cinematic adventure. It’s not music-it’s a narrative, one that seems hauntingly familiar but strikingly new. The hook of the lyrics, “You call me a witch, but I’m a queen…” is a punch to the gut of strength, instantly evoking comparisons with the classic reinterpretation of The Wizard of Oz. And just like Dorothy's ruby red slippers, this song has a gloss you can't help but see.

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This Week's LITM Rock Picks opens up the alternative expanse with artists like Kathmandu, The Crystal Teardrop, PoST, and others

This Week's LITM Rock Picks opens up the alternative expanse with artists like Kathmandu, The Crystal Teardrop, PoST, and others.

Kathmandu - Wild Wind 

Kathmandu is the alternative project of songwriter and musician, Donna Marie. With influences that range from the 90s to the contemporary styles of indie rock and alternative planes is employed elegantly across their music. In their song, ‘Wild Wind’, the melodic quality and presence, coupled with electric grooves, spirited beats, and remarkable vocal moods present like a delightful wilderness. Tying back into the theme, the listening experience feels like you’re in a free space with expansive domes, buoyant energy, and voices from the otherworld. Progressively, it gets to be more and more transporting. If you are looking for the kind of song that elevates your consciousness, this is the perfect track for you. 

The Crystal Teardrop - Colours Changing 

The alternative atmosphere fills their soul and draws the music out of this next band. The Crystal Teardrop takes us into a mystical realm with their song, ‘Colours Changing’. Forged with psychedelic elements, progressive classic rock instrumentals, hypnotic vocal pulse, they grow into the space around you. Best way to enjoy the track is to close your eyes and let the song build a kaleidoscope of music around you. Because the grooves form in spiralling circles that lifts into visual melodies, dazing vocals, and cerebral warmth. A really great track to trip on. If you miss the sound of Pink Floyd, The Bangles, Porcupine Tree, and Deftones, this band will satiate you. 

PoST - I’m Ready

A passionate and pulling soundscape awaits us next with PoST’s ‘I’m Ready’. They strike a nice classic, contemporary balance with this melodic rock song. There is definitely an alternative air to it seeing as it opens with earthy beats, funky/ bluesy grooves before opening up into a glassy melodic tingle. This rhythm imprint runs along the whole song. And from it springs an expressive vocal line, nicely running along peaks and dips alike. We see quivering accordions running across it. If you enjoy artists like Lukas Graham and James Arthur, you’re sure to love the influences, variations, and builds of this track. 

Ultan - All In Good Time 

Ultan keeps it hardcore and real with his latest release, ‘All in Good Time’. The track is an anthemic punk march with uncontained beats, explosive rhythms, and a powerful vocal drive. Basslines are charismatic, and the riffs take on so many lives, burning and coming alive like a phoenix. It is reminiscent of the Green Day, Linkin Park era, where punk was forged with sheer will to play. And all with a spirit that is jogging you into life, exciting your senses and springing into a momentum that is so fun and energizing to keep up with. In all its plucked glory, dispersing riffs, raging rhythms, and charismatic vocal delivery, it comes spectacularly alive. Listen Now! 

Col Gerrard - The Way I Feel 

Concluding this queue of alt rock is Col Gerrard’s ‘The Way I Feel’. A deep, evocative, and shimmering expanse of a song. Its soft rock lifting into contemporary pop spheres, sparkling piano melodies and infinite vocal emotion is overwhelming in the best way. There is so much feeling that flows through it like a current. Imagine being elevated by emotion, in a way that feels real and cinematic at the same time. That’s how this song is executed. And between these two spaces, a soft line of romance floats on by. A touch of blues, a meandering landscape of rock, and a whole lot of intoxicating melancholy and heartache. That’s the progressing essence of the track and it is as creative as it gets. 

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This Week's LITM Pop Picks bring a spectrum of style and technique with artists like Maumaumau, Pixielated, and Bri Scully

This Week's LITM Pop Picks bring a spectrum of style and technique with artists like Maumaumau, Pixielated, and Bri Scully.

Maumaumau - Macho Macho

Maumaumau is a Mexican American alt pop artist. With his latest release, ‘Macho Macho’, he explores a fun-fuelled, light-hearted, but necessary contemplative anthem. He excites a  healing journey, urges us to grow out of unserving weights and prejudices that we carry and just be free. The track has larger than life energy, a high-energy, high-impact, momentum boost that compels the listener to think and simultaneously want to act. It lights a fire under you, reveals the other side of ego, the charisma of nonchalance, and fuels you to come on over. The listening experience can be transformative and liberating if you let it and take it from me, you definitely should. 

Pixielated - AI Superstar 

Taking the punching energy to the next level is Pixielated’s latest, ‘AI Superstar’. If you want to dive headfirst into a futuristic sonic space, then this is the track for you. There is not a single moment of stagnation. It’s a dynamic color show, progressing always to the next level of energy, a new level of consciousness. There’s dance, pop, and explosive peaks, all bolstered to an expansive vocal high. And the rhythm flows into a smooth infinity, with ups and downs. Like a landscape, it grows into the theme, speculating on electro pop like never before. Listen Now! 

Bri Scully - Under You 

Bri Scully is a singer-songwriter and indie pop artist. Her soft pop renditions are the voices of her experience. Stringing acoustics with a mellow pop flow, so personal and so intimate that you can’t help but connect. Her latest release is ‘Under You’, a track in which she explores the aftermath of a breakup where you have to unlearn so much of who you were in the relationship. It has that girlhood melodrama to it that plays into the lyrics. Matched with vulnerability, honesty and contemplative healing, it is such a special song. When you listen to it, it feels like you’re talking with a friend, slipping into her emotions and experiences. 

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LITM Rock Picks Tunes Featuring Fringe Frontier, Mike Bloom, Juno Empire and More!

LITM Rock Picks Tunes brought to you by Fringe Frontier, Mike Bloom, Juno Empire, Klawuta and Greg Hoy!

1. Fringe Frontier - Heartbreak Parade
   Fringe Frontier's "Heartbreak Parade" is a clashing anthem of heartbreak, strikingly balancing raw energy and tear-inducing story. From the first riff to the last smash of the cymbals, the song grips your attention and won't release, taking the atmosphere of a dive bar in a small town and bringing it into a common conversation of love and heartbreak.

   The imagery-studded lines take love on the brink: "Last night was a broken bottle / Last night was an open throttle." They're harsh, unapologetic, and speak to anybody who's ever been heartbroken as a kick in the guts. The music brings these words to life with bare facts that make the ache palpable.

   Musically, the track is a masterclass in restraint in the face of anarchy. The guitar riff attitude-sneers, but the drums and bass offer a determined underpinning that propels the track. Hand of Grammy-winning mixer McKenzie Smith adds every ingredient with accuracy without stripping away the track's raw, unobstructed power.

   In a blend of its punk-rock intensity and emotional integrity, "Heartbreak Parade" is the single standout on Fringe Frontier and bodes well for much on the band's sophomore disc, Songs from the Wirehouse. It's music that must be heard loud and life lived large.

2. Mike Bloom - Natural Disaster
Mike Bloom's "Natural Disaster" is a delicate, contemplative indie pop treasure that ensnares the vulnerability of love in cinematic loveliness. He's used to collaborating with the cream, but here he's on his own, sharing the spotlight with a song as delicate as it is unnerving.

The song drifts effortlessly between 80s dream-pop and modern indie sensibilities, with lush synths, atmospheric guitars, and an understated falsetto that’s both haunting and intimate. The lyrics, laden with poetic nuance, cut to the heart: “Is it love that you’re after / Or a natural disaster?” Bloom explores the tumultuous nature of relationships with a vulnerability that feels raw yet comforting.

All the elements of "Natural Disaster" are lovingly conceived, from the fluffy synths that sound like ominous thunderheads to the crackling falsetto that bursts out at perfectly chosen moments. The production is integrated into the song's emotional effect, so it's a fully immersive listen.

Mike Bloom offers us "Natural Disaster" a song that is as ageless as it is rawly, rawly personal—benevolent victory, lingering in the heart well after the music's stopped playing.

3. Juno Empire - Seeds
"Seeds" by Juno Empire is a psychedelic pop odyssey of mind, soul, and galaxies, set in decadent textures. Project leader Alexander Thomas effortlessly integrates existential reflection into a soundtrack that is impossible not to dance to and as deeply reflective.

Taking cues from the work of bands such as Tame Impala and MGMT, the track features sunny synths, spinning basslines, and a beat that sounds naturally but doesn't belong anywhere. Lyrically and sonically, "Seeds" explores the power of reformed seeing, words which invite listeners to reimagine things they believe they know about life and time.

The shape-shifting nature of the song develops nicely, incorporating bursts of synths and contemplative vocals into a build-up for a climactic effect. Production is smooth but still retains enough raw energy to make the track credible.

Melodically hooking and thematic maturity make "Seeds" yet another triumph for Juno Empire, as Thomas proves his worth in being able to write music that succeeds on an individual and universal scale.

4. Klawuta- Shadow Parker
Klawuta's "Shadow Parker" is a tapestry of textured alternative rock where lines between strength and vulnerability are blurred. The song, by Austrian multi-instrumentalist Matthias Ledwinka, is an aural investigation into deception and identity that is backed by experimental textures.

From its opening lines, "Shadow Parker" surrounds the listener with its broken tempo and extraterrestrial melodies. Shredded guitar fibers coil around a thumping bassline, drums rumbling between confinement and release, tension and liberty taken to a place of release. Richness is added by dual-vocal elements, exchanging sultry whispers with shrieking wails, reflecting the song's emotional highs and lows.

Lyrically, the song calls on the mask we put on in a bid to impress others, aptly expressed in the catchy line, "You can lie to yourself, but you can't fool your own shadow." Martin Peichl's reading of a spoken-word break contributes a touch of literature to the reading, and the song is as much poetry recitation as music.

With its self-reflective lyrics and complex production, "Shadow Parker" is an unsettling song that lasts long after it has faded out.

5. Greg Hoy - What, My People?
Greg Hoy's "What, My People?" is an uncompromising, raw, garage-rock anthem of individuality. Done independently, recorded himself, and produced himself, the song is a testament to Hoy's do-it-yourself ethic as much as it is to his skill at taking raw energy and turning it into a strong, clear sound.

The music slowly detonates in splendorous drums, slashing guitars, and plugged-in vocals that recall the strumming swagger of early rock bands. The words are cutting-tongued and observational, taking on issues of identity, power, and place with a gravity that slices through the blubber.

The Hoy-directed and edited music video helps further add to the song's sense of rebellion, presenting a visual counterpart for its raw, uncut sound. It's a seamless blend of grit and imagination, a testament to the multi-talented skill of Hoy.

"What, My People?" is a song, but it's also a declaration. It's a tribute to the classic rock era but carves out its own place in modern music. A listen that's a must for anyone who likes good, hard rock.

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This week's LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks Cast beautiful atmospheres and ambiences with artists like Leon Blanchard, Wylderbeats, and Cornelius Eady Trio

This week's LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks Cast beautiful atmospheres and ambiences with artists like Leon Blanchard, Wylderbeats, and Cornelius Eady Trio

Leon Blanchard - Astronaut 

Leon Blanchard creates an atmosphere of electric contemplation and moody wonder with latest release, ‘Astronaut’. And it is the perfect ambience to experience the theme in. The singer-songwriter and versatile guitarist presents an expanse at the beginning of the track. A mellow flow of melodies, synths and baritones. And by the end of it, you’ll feel timeless, without space, swirling with the emotional galaxies that he explores. The whole soundscape is meant to transport you to surreal spaces, evoke dreamy thoughts, and a general sense of high that falling in love brings to a person. 

Kalyn Beasley - Had to Go There 

Kalyn Beasley is a singer-songwriter and country artist. He forges a memorable path to old country music. Coarse textures, evocative instrumentals and sentimental vocal curves. However, there is a remarkable freshness, an aftermath that drenches you completely. His latest release, ‘Had to Go There’ exemplifies this so perfectly. With immersive guitar strings, molten melodies, meaningful baritones, and a drifting rhythm, the mellow country rock influences shine through. It draws you into its soft yet intense space. 

Billy Traxler - Disarray 

Singer-songwriter and alt rock artist, Billy Traxler brings such unique ideas to his music. The smooth collision of convention, collaboration, consciousness, is what his music is about. In his latest release, ‘Disarray’, the artist explores the dynamics of the theme, casting it as a state of mind and then exploring how that space forms. The melodies, beats, acoustics, all contribute to a soft chaos in the song. While the rhythm and grooves are symmetrical, the theme forms in the texture, the arrangement of melodies, and the repetitive patterns. His vocals are pleasing baritones that tie into this vibe, keeps it going. And then, the artist collapses the soundscape with a quirky, comical and cartoon-like sonic crash, wrapping up the theme nicely. 

Wylderbeats - Bradford 

Wylderbeats has just released their latest folk album, ‘Famous Photograph’. Across the collection, he explores trad folk influences and how they collaborate and manifest in a contemporary or alt folk setting. Opening the album is ‘Bradford’, a song that is a slice of life narrative, a tale of all the times the protagonist visited the place. Played out from a retrospective lens, there is a fond tone, a wisdom, a sweetness. Evoking imagery of two people fall in love, from their meet cute on the crossroads to meeting her parents, their wedding. It is a song that wonders at the mysterious ways of love. If you’re in the market for a feel-good song, full of warmth and joy, this is it. 

Cornelius Eady Trio - Quicksand 

Cornelius Eady Trio is a folk group that began making music Covid. And a little bit of their music became influenced by the morbidity and darkness of the period. In their latest single, ‘Quicksand’, we get to experience themes like hopelessness, loneliness through a dry, contemplative lenses and it is quite refreshing. The soundscape is minimalistic, populated only with charismatic vocal presentations, slow grooves, and an ambient manifestation of the theme. We see a creative flow of soul, funk, blues, all made contemporary in a way that has never been done. 

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