On this edition of LITM Rock Picks, we get genre-bending crowd-pullers from the likes of LA Need Machine, Kadjavsi, and more!
1.DevilMonkey – Zero Days
The 3-piece Electro-Rock band DevilMonkey from Melbourne, Australia, delivers an unusual blend of rock and industrial metal in their new single Zero Days. The track starts off with a discordant ambient vibe but quickly becomes more energetic with the drums and vocals kicking in. The intro vocals bring in a curious, distorted-mechanization technique and go into exhilarating harmony while the guitar further adds another layer using distortion. The band describes themselves as “We sound like getting punched in the face, but you want it,” summing up the energy of the song. The song’s arrangement brings in the visuals of a sci-fi post-apocalyptic setting, using its grungy distortions, gritty instrumentation, along with edgy and spirited lyrics.
2. La Need Machine- Rock n roll show
This Seattle-based band has just dropped the latest beachside concert crowd-puller with their recently released track ‘Rock and Roll Show’. Featuring a composition that melds rock and pop, it feels very reminiscent of the 2000s. The uplifting and upbeat vibes are carried throughout by the instruments with a pleasant distortion, while the bridge has that classic minor chord pivot that strikes a balance, much like the tracks we’ve heard in our childhood days. Overall, the song has a ‘happily ever after’ vibe, a phenomenon that seems to have become a rarity as of recent past.
3. My Glass World -It Only Takes a Minute
British duo My Glass World brings to the table their new single, “It Only Takes a Minute,” to the indie-alternative scene. With a fast-paced pulse, it’s simple yet effective, the hook alone bringing enough slow-burning energy as it drifts into the chorus. The bass crafts a very unique and dynamic arrangement underneath the song, breathing more intensity into the track, and the breezy vocals allow room for the instrumentation to take ove,r giving the song a moody tone while lyrics like “take a minute, who knows what you’ll find, holding hostage to your time” drive home the themes of fate and destiny.
4. Pennan Brae Ft. Steve Ferrone - Girl in the City
Another track in the list that you might mistake for an 80s to early 90s, is Vancouver-based Pennan Brae’s new track Girl in the City, from the country rock album ‘Paint’. It’s an upbeat, fun foot-tapper with amusing lyrics such as “ Tuscan driving sunset diving, falls too soon, zoom zoom zoom”. This is themed around- you guessed it- a girl in the city! Its eclectic use of vocal layering and major to minor switches makes for an engaging contrast, and that, coupled with the peppy instrumentation, is the artist putting their own spin on a 90s flavour.
5.Kadjavsi- So Arbitrary
Bucharest-based alternative rock band, Kadjavsi, recently dropped their latest single - So Arbitrary’ from their album ‘Above Albatross’. It is themed around existential paralysis with lyrics such as “Fear is a miracle, you can’t live without it, and I can’t quite catch a break.” Its use of instrumentation crafts an ambient, atmospheric vibe by utilizing synths, but also technique. The chord shifts between minor to major bring in an eerie feel, quite in contrast to the verses. The background synth adds to that contrast by adding a cheerful mix, while the eerie tones are heightened by the silence from the rhythm section. The versatility makes this song a unique experience.
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here