From dystopian anthems to songs about heartbreak as well as vulnerable soulful explorations of what it means to be human, LITM Pop Picks this week has a dollop of everything good indie pop is. Featuring the talents of Xolydia, Kelly & Kat, Tabi Kate, Linuss and Liloe Rix, listen to some of the best pop music the indie scene has to offer!
Xolydia - Toxic Rain
Xolydia’s “Toxic Rain” is an ambient folk gem of a music piece. The use of classic fingerstyle guitars, field recordings as well as other creative samples that support the vocals gives this song a wide soundscape. “Toxic Rain” describes a hypothetical nuclear disaster caused by humans and as such builds its dystopian atmosphere masterfully, you are well and truly transported to the scenes Xolydia describes. The juxtaposition of the warm vocals and folky guitars with the dystopian motif gives the song an unsettling vibe which contributes greatly to the lyrics having an impactful landing. Xolydia is a brilliant artist and “Toxic Rain” is a testament to her power as a songstress!
Kelly & Kat - Stardust
Kelly & Kat’s latest single “Stardust” is a brilliantly evocative track. This New York City-based singer-songwriter duo are known for their strong penmanship as well as their brilliant vocal harmonies and all of those talents are displayed in full swing on “Stardust”. A song about being unable to stop thinking about that special someone who used to be incredibly important to you, but with whom the relationship has now soured, “Stardust” has incredibly relatable lyrics that hit close to home. The production on this song is also brilliant with catchy beats and enticing melodies which are a combination of real guitars as well as electronically programmed synths. Kelly & Kat have made a heartfelt well-polished pearl with “Stardust” so go check it out!
Tabi Kate - S K I N
“S K I N” by Tabi Kate is stylish and carries infectious tones and melodies that won't leave your mind. The first stand-out element is the production with an unforgettably fat bassline and a wide musical ambience acting as the perfect container for Tabi’s sultry vocal performance, the song is pure layered goodness. Lyrics that talk about a relationship that is more physical than it is emotional, Tabi sings about the feeling of losing control of the dynamic as the lines between the physical and personal get blurred. Her rising vocal harmonies in the chorus and the warm notes in the verse convey the emotions incredibly well. If you are a fan of Pop and R&B juggernauts The 1975, or The Japanese House, Tabi Kate is a shoo-in to your playlist!
Linuss - Go To Her
Linuss is an artist with a very distinct music style characterised by harmonic vocal themes, and enchanting musical soundscapes. His latest release “Go To Her” is a moody and soulful chef d’oeuvre. Opening on electronically produced keys that sing a lively melody, the song puts your mind in a relaxed state from the moment you press play. The chorus and vocals are catchy and demand your attention while they are playing, and the lyrics are heartfelt and emotional. Linuss has crafted a song that is a joy to listen to and you should really show “Go To Her” some love!
Liloe Rix - Wander
Liloe Rix’s latest track “Wander” is a song that is unafraid to be vulnerable and is an honest exploration of uncertainty and anxiety brimming with soul. “Wander” walks a tightrope of rock and pop and features exceptionally spirited guitar work along with a symphony of electronic sounds and accoutrements. Liloe’s vocals are emotive and powerful and you can feel the amount of heart she has poured into every vocal line resonate with your soul. The recurring vocal refrain of “What do we do?” really resonates with you if ever you’ve felt anxious and uncertain. But “Wander” is a song about overcoming your burdens as much as it is about exploring them. Art in its purest state, “Wander” is pure ecstasy in music form!
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