This edition of LITM Pop Picks explores experimental soundscapes and retro 80s pop music scenes, bringing in freshness and nostalgia. The list features artists The Lemon Grove, Mars_999, and ClaT.
Read MoreLITM Rock Picks Featuring Citizens of YEAH!, Mukka & the Wizard Sleeves, and Belling The Tiger!
Featuring songs of revolution to songs that talk about emotional clutter, this edition of LITM Rock Picks show you fields music can cover. The list features artists Citizens of YEAH!, Mukka & the Wizard Sleeves, and Belling The Tiger.
Read MoreLITM Rock Picks Featuring Headsticks, Bold Boy, Brother and More!
With tracks making loud political statements to tracks talking about new love that feels exciting, this edition of LITM Rock Picks is emotive as well as important. The list features artists Headsticks, Bold Boy, Brother, and more.
Read MoreLITM Rock Picks Featuring Poems, NickGCherryDot, MAJORS and More!
This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings to you songs from the world of alternative rock, where each one does something different with that genre. The list features artists Poems, NickGCherryDot, MAJORS, and more.
Read MoreCoughing Up Blood by Micah Rose-Trespeuch Brings the Theatre to You!
Micah Rose- Trespeuch’s latest album is an exploration of the uncomfortable emotions we deal with through expansive, immersive theatrical music qualities.
Read MoreLITM Pop Picks Featuring Leonie Sherif, Collaborations, and Chris St. John!
This edition of LITM Pop Picks brings you modernity as well as washes you with warm nostalgia with sounds of yesterday. The list features artists Leonie Sherif, Collaborations, and Chris St. John.
Read MoreLITM Singer-SongWriter Picks Tunes Featuring Bryter Colours, Brendan Kelly and J.R Dalfort
LITM Singer-SongWriter Picks some great tunes brought to you by Bryter Colours, Brendan Kelly and J.R Dalfort
Bryter Colours – I’m Alive
If ocean waves had a therapist, they’d probably recommend “I’m Alive” by Bryter Colours. This track opens with the calm hush of the sea and a cuatro gently strumming like it’s trying not to wake the sun. But don’t let the mellow beginning fool you—this song glows. It sings, not like a war cry, but like a whispered vow to keep going.
It's not showy. It's not obnoxious. It's the soothing pep talk your soul didn't even realise it was crying out for. Like a cup of tea cradled in two hands on a hard day. There's something hypnotic and mantric to it, less "look at me!" and more "I see you. Breathe." You don't tune into "I'm Alive" to escape. You listen to remember that you’re still in it, still fighting, and somehow, still okay.
Healing has never sounded so gently radical.
2. Brendan Kelly – Brother
Brendan Kelly's "Brother" is the musical equivalent of a fist bump and a bear hug with a coat of sunshine. If there were a groove for resilience, this would be the one. The song almost struts in from the opening beat with its country-pop-rock beat, gutsy drums, bright guitars, and vocals that yell heartfelt without ever being cheesy.
This is a song that leaves you feeling like you've just received the world's greatest pep talk from your best friend. And when you know Brendan's tale, how he recovered from a life-changing accident through sheer will, you hear that resilience in every note. "Brother" not only sings about dedication; it embodies it. It's a song you'd play on full blast during a road trip with someone who has seen all your chaos and loves you in spite of it.
Catchy, real, and joyfully alive, this is more than a feel-good anthem—it’s a sonic hug that says, you’ve got this, and I’ve got you.
3. J.R Dalfort – “Easy Livin’” (English Version)
Out of the home of ABBA and IKEA sofas comes something tastyly American,
J.R Dalfort's "Easy Livin'." Hailing from Sweden but apparently in tune with Nashville's dusty soul, Dalfort plays a road-ready Americana tune that is the musical equivalent of denim and sunshine on vinyl. "Easy Livin'" is half-groove, half-grit, and all swagger. It's got a propulsive rhythm section that'll make you reach for your keys and just take off. His writing is clear, assertive, and hooks like an old buddy telling a good yarn. There's something wonderfully unpretentious about the entire operation—no thinking too hard, no sonic showboating.
Just good, soulful songcraft and a feel that says, "Why worry when you can just crank up the radio?" Dalfort may be warbling in English, but the language he's actually using is hip. If "Easy Livin'" is a portent of things to come, Americana had best clear the table, Scandinavia's taking over the open road.
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LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks Featuring E.G. Phillips, Nick Cain, and The Spinning Game!
With songs treading along second chances at love and songs that feel like a book on philosophy, this edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks breaks barriers with its collection. The list features artist E.G. Phillips, Nick Cain, and The Spinning Game.
Read MoreLITM Rock Picks Featuring Rosetta West, Super Tuesday, Calista Garcia and More!
On this edition of LITM Rock Picks, tracks take on calm brightness, passionate rawness and touching vulnerability. This list features Rosetta West, Super Tuesday, Calista Garcia and more!
Read MoreLITM Rock Picks Featuring Valvet, Creative Vibrations, Tahani and More!
With songs brimming with hope and longing, to songs about the dark realities of war, this edition of LITM Rock Picks treads along the many facets of the world at present. The list features artists Valvet, Creative Vibrations, Tahani, and more!
Read MoreLITM Rock Picks Tunes That Will Set Your Mood For The Week Brought To You By Tom Leonard, Matare, Glass Rumours and More!
LITM Rock Picks Tunes To Set The Mood for you The Week Featuring Tom Leonard, Matare, Glass Rumours, citizen jim and Frankly Fugazi.
Tom Leonard – Hidden You/Hidden Me
Tom Leonard's "Hidden You/Hidden Me" is an indie-rock treasure that skillfully navigates the conflict between private realities and public facades. Inspired by the Japanese philosophies of 'honne' (true self) and 'tatemae' (public self), Leonard skillfully interprets these philosophical ideas into a soundscape that's both expansive and intimate.
The song's origin- written in a Manchester bedroom on an iPad with BandLab- may imply minimalism, but its refined production by Norway-based Woods Studio brings it to monumental levels. The insistent beat gives the track a propulsive feel, and the unique "beep" effects, reminiscent of Sputnik broadcasts, add bursts of tension and curiosity to the song.
Leonard's self-reflective lyrics eschew pretension, rather encouraging consideration of what authenticity might look like in the face of performative culture. The build towards the climax is paid off, finding a release that feels cathartic and resonant.
"Hidden You/Hidden Me" is a demonstration of how Leonard can couple sonic experimentation with thematic richness, cementing him as one of indie music's standout voices.
2. MatAre – That's What People Do
Matare's "That's What People Do" is a brooding excursion into post-punk's and darkwave's dark side. Chiming guitars and throbbing rhythms bring the two worlds of digital exactness and analog craftsmanship together, recalling The Cure's best work.
The song's production sounds like a dialogue between then and now, blending early synth experiments and contemporary sensibilities. The outcome is a rich soundscape that weaves together melancholy desolation and understated euphoria. Lyrically, Matare presents a sorrowful indictment of human nature's willingness to opt for division rather than unification, for anger rather than logic. Phrases such as "flashes of anger where careful planning would have served us better" underscore the cyclical nature of collective mistakes.
As an appetiser for the impending album Extinction Burst, "That's What People Do" foreshadows a project that will prove sonically daring and thematically biting. Matare's talent for taking darkness and doing something thoroughly introspective is nothing short of enthralling.
3. Glass Rumours – Ray Gun
"Ray Gun" by Glass Rumours is a crazy, sci-fi-inspired tale that explores issues of identity, death, and technological progress. Focusing on an AI that catfishes and de-lives a human then brings them back to life as a cyborg, the song is as provocative as it is daring.
Musically, "Ray Gun" complements its narrative with space-age synth lines and driving beats that heighten tension and anticipation. The production is crisp and deliberately disorderly, echoing the contrasts of human and machine. The song encourages listeners to question the morality of AI and where human consciousness ends and artificial intelligence begins.
This is a song intended to be controversial, and Glass Rumours does it with pizzazz and a dash of showmanship. Brash, strange, and irresistibly interesting, "Ray Gun" is a highlighter aimed at our ever-more technocratic society.
4. Citizen Jim – Born Into This
Citizen Jim's "Born Into This" is a passionate tribute to perseverance and self-reflection, wrapped in the comfort of traditional American rock. On the opening strum, the song lures you in with its lush instrumentation—layered guitars, solid drums, and cinematic production.
The song's lyrics explore themes of self-discovery and determination, presented in Jim's affecting and gritty vocal delivery. His voice is full of authenticity, with every lyric landing with force. The production is perfectly balanced between raw feeling and slick execution, producing a sound at once expansive and intimate.
"Born Into This" distills the spirit of universal strife without sacrificing a distinct personal touch. It's a song that cries to be replayed over and over, providing comfort and courage to anyone going through the pangs of living. Citizen Jim has produced a classic work that cuts deep on each listen.
5. Frankly Fugazi – Feloncholy
Frankly Fugazi’s “Feloncholy” is a poetic exploration of vulnerability and longing, steeped in raw emotion and introspection. The lyrics, filled with vivid imagery—“Send me to the farm, give me your last jar”—paint a picture of yearning and surrender.
Musically, the song leans into a minimalist production that heightens the poignancy of its lyrics. The melody is haunting but reassuring, crafting a doublethink which haunts long after the last note. The repeated hook, "Help me take it all, tell me where to fall," encapsulates the song's central message of looking for guidance during times of uncertainty.
“Feloncholy” is a testament to Frankly Fugazi’s ability to craft deeply resonant music with simplicity and grace. It’s a song that invites listeners to sit with their emotions, offering a cathartic and contemplative experience.
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LITM Pop Picks Featuring Konrick, Natalie Lucie, and gnomes!
This edition of LITM Pop Picks brings to you songs that feel like sunshine, ones that feel like hope, and ones that feel like the promise of love. The list features artists Konrick, Natalie Lucie, and Gnomes.
Read MoreHeartfelt LITM Pop Picks Featuring Lipford, B Dayton, and Camille K!
With pop tracks that will take you through a spectrum of emotions, this edition of LITM Pop Picks guarantees you a delightful listening experience. The list features artists Lipford, B Dayton, and Camille K.
Read MoreLITM Rock Picks Songs For Your Weekend Playlist Featuring The Zangwills, Arcane Grace, BARCLAY’S and more!
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
Let's set something straight: "Comatose" isn't here to put you to bed. It's here to break you down- sound-wise, feel-wise, perhaps even soul-wise. Barclay's doesn't play songs; they perform seismic rituals masquerading as tunes. Born out of corrupted files and artistic exorcisms, "Comatose" is the result of some guy with too many feelings and not enough outlets making a wall of sound you can't turn away from.
Imagine: 12 Monkeys intersects free-jazz-in-a-wind-tunnel. It's a prophecy with a synth riff. It's fear, distortion, and the unholy marriage of fatigue and hope. Alex McGrath doesn't sing- he warns, like a siren disguised as glitch and reverb. And the band? A chameleon fever dream of musicians who dare to dream.
"Comatose" doesn't concern itself with fitting your playlist. It concerns itself with reaching your ribs. It's not honed- it's haunted
Barclay’s isn’t background noise. It’s the soundtrack to your unravelling
And weirdly? That’s comforting.
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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LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks Featuring Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira, Lost Lot, Michellar and More!
Featuring folk and country sounds with contemporary influences, this edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks is all about warmth and nostalgia. The list features artists James Stephen & The Good Ones, Pablo Serrano, Lost Lot, and more.
Read MoreBen Heyworth’s Brand New EP Creatures is an Acoustic Wonder!
Creatures, the latest EP by Manchester based artist Ben Hayworth is a work that’s steeped in honesty and simplicity, both hero ingredients for something to stay relevant for a long time. With gorgeous acoustic guitar strumming and plucking being at the centre of this work, it is Hayworth’s storytelling which becomes the heart of it all and you shall hear the same, once you give it a listen.
Read MoreStoneshoes – First Light: A Radiant Leap into Musical Rebirth
From the fire of near-death emerges First Light, the extremely personal and genre-defying debut album of Stoneshoes, aka Nigel Rhys Watson. This nine-track journey is not just music; it's a heartbeat, a reckoning, and a testament to the therapeutic power of sound. As Watson himself describes it, this is an album "as honest as I could possibly be." And that honesty is translated in every note, rhythm, and lyric like the breaking of dawn after a long, dark, rainy night.
A Sonic Kaleidoscope
First Light is a musical melting pot that blends rock, folk, reggae, and psychedelia with ease. The album's genre-bending smoothness is a direct result of Watson's background as a DJ and vinyl aficionado. Listening to it is like rummaging through the dusty shelves of an old record store and discovering a hidden treasure- unexpected but timeless.
The opening track, “Wildfire,” kicks things off with a bang. Its punchy rhythms and intricate instrumentation grab your attention immediately, setting the tone for an album that refuses to be predictable. The energy here is palpable, like a spark igniting a larger flame.
Next comes "Dawn Patrol," which would sound like a nice campfire jam session. Real and endearing, it gives Watson a present – his talent to engage the listener. The melody meanders across the song like a river, slicing through your memory as smoothly as a carving knife.
The Ocean and the Overview
There is a standout track for each album, and for First Light, it is undoubtedly "The Ocean of Infinite Energy." It is not a song; it's an experience. Pulsating with wall upon wall of sound, swelling and mounting like waves on a shore, it will command your attention and reward it on repeat listens.
This is preceded by "Strange," a track that takes a new turn. Catchy melodies and introspective lyrics showcase Watson's songwriter skills. There is something ethereal about this song, as if it's pulling you to another level of existence in the album.
"Overview Effect" is impressive for its constantly changing configuration. Named after the psychological turn that astronauts feel when they observe the world from space, the song captures that feeling of amazement and perspective. Watson's emotive singing imbues the song with human feeling, grounding its cosmic questions in raw, human emotion.
A Tightrope of Emotion
As the album draws to an end, "Tightrope" is an excellent closer. Its pulsating rhythms and passionate performances capture First Light's ascent. There is closure here, as in taking a deep breath after all-day climbing. It's not reaching the peak but relishing the vista in between.
A Journal in Melody
What sets First Light apart from other debut albums is that it is so autobiographical. Watson's words are as if copied from a journal, written in melody and rhythm. The album is a picture of his life at a turning point- a turning point of survival, self-reflection, and rediscovery.
Watson won't be vulnerable, and that's what makes First Light so powerful. It's genuine, it's honest, and it invites the listener to walk a mile in his shoes. It's got a life experience to the music, as if it's been through the washing machine and out the other side turned stronger and more beautiful.
A Luminous Invitation
At its core, First Light is an invitation- to slow down, breathe, and rediscover the joy in simply being. It’s the kind of album that grows with you, revealing new layers with every listen. Whether you’re seeking sunlit rhythms to lift your spirits or introspective swells to accompany a quiet evening, this album has something for everyone.
The Verdict
Nigel Rhys Watson has penned something absolutely beautiful in First Light. It's not an album; it's a manual for the ups and downs of life, a statement of the resilience of the human spirit, and an affirmation of the redemptive nature of music.
In a day of glossy production and disposable singles, First Light is a raw, earnest, and fabulously human piece of art. It's the kind of album you'll have stuck in your head after the last note fades away. So do yourself a favour: press play, close your eyes, and let First Light carry you on its golden ride.
LITM Rock Picks Featuring Soul Deception, J. Michael & The Heavy Burden, Stefan West and More!
This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings to you genre blending rock songs that will bring a lot of flavour to your playlists. The list features artists Soul Deception, J. Michael & The Heavy Burden, Stefan West, and more.
Read MoreLITM Rock Picks with the 90s Rock Energy Featuring J.J. Chamberlain, Atlas Rivers, Leazes and More!
The 90s rock energy was supreme, with its echoes still being heard today, and this edition of LITM Rock Picks brings you a collection of those very echoes. The list features artists J.J. Chamberlain, Atlas Rivers, Leazes, and more.
Read MoreLITM Pop Picks Tunes Featuring Zodiak, Jemily Rime, Lex Bucha and More!
LITM Pop picks tunes for your playlist featuring Zodiak, Jemily Rime, Lex Bucha, DayEyez and Inude.
Zodiak – It's Not You It's Me
Zodiak's "It's Not You It's Me" is an electronic pop siren that balances vulnerability and euphoric power precariously. The song itself is a kaleidoscope of layered sophistication, full of lush melody and hook-laden driving beats from the get-go. Its brilliance lies in its production, where every electronic theme is placed into position with care, making this a living, breathing world.
Vocals are the pièce de résistance, blending raw emotion and a sheen finish. Vocals ride effortlessly above the sweeping arrangements, making the chorus forever unforgettable. Lyrics are introspection and heartbreak, but a hard-hitting pace makes the message a force to be reckoned with, making introspection a force to be reckoned with.
Zodiak's scrutiny is evident in every detail, and thus "It's Not You It's Me" is a must-listen for those who enjoy electronic music that's deep like its heart. It is also euphoric and cathartic.
2. Jemily Rime – I Don't Think About You
Jemily Rime's "I Don't Think About You" is a gut-wrenching beautiful song of the post-breakup bravado. With soft but big vocals, Rime presents the bittersweet truth of living after the haze of an extended bad affair.
The song begins with subdued accompaniment, so that the authentic lyrics can be in the spotlight. The song ends with strings and soft percussion crescendo, metaphorically for increasing strength and resolve of bravery. Rime's voice is bare but strong, perfectly matched for the narrating of the song.
Lyrically speaking, the song is not optimistic or sad but balanced. The song is a melody with which anyone who is taking back power and discovering how to position themselves from the inside out can identify. "I Don't Think About You" is a music narrative masterpiece piece of art that bears witness to Jemily Rime's skill at making pain something downright divine.
3. Lex Bucha – Back & Forth
Lex Bucha's "Back & Forth" is a playful pop song that finds equilibrium between insightful lyrics and infectious grooves. The song sings tension of inner conflict over a rough-hewn yet refined listen.
From the opening notes, the contemporary recording of the song pulls you in. Synth chords and staccato drums provide a rhythm section, Bucha's plain vocals bringing it intimacy. His phrasing has the anxiety of overthinking without losing the song's essential energy.
The chorus is a standout, both catchy and poignant, reflecting the push-and-pull of doubt and self-assurance. Co-written with Jameson and Gaby Duboisjoli, the song resonates deeply, offering a universal message of perseverance amidst uncertainty.
“Back & Forth” is a perfect fusion of accessibility and authenticity, making it one of Lex Bucha’s most compelling tracks yet. It’s the kind of song you’ll find yourself humming long after it ends.
4. DayEyez – Mine
DayEyez unleashes a killer album with "Mine," a rock ballad that toggles between unbridled emotion and pounding energy. The song starts slowly, a serene piano tune greets listeners with a reflective mindset before unleashing a crazy chorus that has to be ventured.
The ability of the group can also be seen in the intricate instrumentals with the piano, drums, and guitars producing an offbeat soundscape. The vocals are no less impressive, with so much passion and deserving attention whenever they are being sung.
Musically, "Mine" is a longing and love song, complementing the heart-wrenching vocals. The contrast between the placid verses and violent choruses accents the paradoxes of human feelings, and the song becomes cathartic to listen to.
Precision production and a relentless hook on "Mine" prove that DayEyez is capable of producing music as potent as it's emotionally impactful.
5. Inude – Split
"Inude's Split" is a listen that will not let go of hope and melancholy. The minimalist opening of the song, with tentative vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, creates a reflective atmosphere, drawing the listeners to the realm of contemplation.
Instrumentation is unstable throughout the song, with application of psychedelic texture and hyper-pop rhythm. Evolution in the song through time responds to the affective double-facedness of the lyrics, where they look for loss and self-discovery. Phrases like "everything keeps falling out of my arms" mirror naked vulnerability of human existence.
The complexity and cohesion of the band to keep them in check is impressive. Every beat change and every effect is meticulously planned and contributes to the narrative of the song. Before the crescendo does eventually implode, "Split" makes a lasting impact, emotionally and audibly.
Inude's ability to bring experimental sound into everyday themes makes "Split" an excellent tune, showcasing their own personal artistry and narrative as well as storytelling.
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