In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, we feature the best and the latest from Living With The Storm, Anthony Touma and more!
Living With The Storm - “New Animal Culture”
Living With The Storm, the brainchild of Jim Bryant, is a mesmerizing fusion of electronica, trip-hop, progressive rock, and ambient music, praised for its unpredictable yet captivating production and songwriting. Embodying Jim’s exploration of personal narratives and bringing us a whole new experimentation in sound design is the single, “New Animal Culture”. Forming the title track of the album of the same name, the track finds itself in a space of peace and tranquility, as the rich two-part harmonies that support the main vocals deliver high-register, catchy verses, all laid atop a minimalistic style trip-hop style beat that does not go light on the synths; in fact, they’re there fair and square to elevate the production to a new level. Check out the track here!
Anthony Touma - “Baklava”
A multitalented artist, crossing borders with their music, Anthony Touma is a singer, songwriter, and music producer that’s been making waves in the French music scene; and his latest single, “Baklava”, is a fun, uptempo pop track that derives from the roots of modern trap hip-hop and fuses it with high-energy, fun-spirited vocals and chords that make it an enjoyable, very catchy listen. The production is an immediate earworm, while the interplay between English and French lyrics is also interesting to listen to. Couple this with a mix that has great articulation down low and up high, and you have the kind of track that you’d go back to, time and again. Check out the track here!
Malcolm Lally - “California”
Galway's Malcolm Lally is emerging as a noteworthy figure in Ireland's vibrant songwriter scene, known for his vast soundscapes, and synth-driven sound that delights with its retro warmth. Malcolm has earned final stage placements in the UK Songwriting Competition— and his expertise and style shine through on his latest single, “California”— a retrowave-inspired track that takes one delightfully back to the era of DX synths and analog sequencers in its production. The style of the vocals are also just as fitting with the track, with a charm and a lingering melody that one keeps going back to; and the control in the low-end is excellent; with great articulation in the basses and a whole lot of character overall. Check out the track here!
AG Gatling - “Name It”
A downtempo hip-hop artist blending influences of soul, R&B, funk and jazz, AG Gatling is fast making a mark on the industry, and his fever dream continues with his latest single, “Name It”; with a modern interpretation of jazz and blues in the sound throughout, this track makes for a rather compelling listen from the get go; from the vocal styles brought in by Gatling and the featured artist Latice Crawford, to the production that retains this delightful balance between electronic elements and jazz writing with the guitars; this track flows smoothly, and ingrains itself in your head, and for good reason. Take a listen to the track here!
Fortress - “Holding On”
Fortress is a Belgian synth pop trio that makes electronic pop music with a dreamy voice brought to us courtesy of Hanne Torfs. They use synthesizers to create a unique sound that's both soothing and catchy. Their songs have been played on popular radio stations in Belgium— and their latest single, “Holding On”, is an epitome of controlled release of energy in electronic dance music. Adopting a very incognito, very progressive sound, the song affords the time to the various basses and the synths to gradually build their energy, and before you know it, you’re moving and grooving with the music. There is also much to appreciate about the vocals here, which retain their sultry texture and silken flows through and through, making for an excellent listen. Check it out here!
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