LITM Rock picks tunes that will make you tap your feet brought to you by Kapri, Sunsara, Thomas Bradley Project, Sam George and ELDERLY WHITE MAN.
Kapri – High Stakes (No Wonder)
Kapri's "High Stakes (No Wonder)" is an indie-pop treasure with a dark, hooky edge. The song places you right in the head of someone taking risks and rewards in life's most dangerous situations. The song's smooth production includes funky basslines, shining synths, and Kapri's sultry vocals that tie everything together.
The lyrics are a sad commentary on how to survive on the edges. There's a harsh vulnerability in Kapri's lexicon that remarks about the exhilaration and urgency of risking it all. The hook is indeed a hook, with doubled harmonies and thumping drumming that'll get in your head hours after hearing the song.
Kapri gives "High Stakes (No Wonder)" a cinematic quality, ideal for both nights spent dancing and nights lost in contemplation.
2. Sunsara – Brave New World
Sunsara's "Brave New World" is a dynamic song of discovery and determination, combining the rhythm of electronic music with the acuteness of rock. The song is like entering a neon-lit world where around every corner is a challenge to be overcome.
The intro hook is a high-voltage mix of hacked guitar licks and synth flash that gets your ears immediately set up. The verse, based on revolutionary and adolescent-themed material, is prefaced with searing urgency. Sunsara's singing is assertive and expressive, moving fluidly from strength to vulnerability at whim.
The bridge dips down just short of dropping your air before bursting into a chorus that's all adrenaline. The tension between the roughness of rock and the gloss of electronic components makes "Brave New World" an electric listen. This song is designed for those who love reinvention and taking risks.
3. Thomas Bradley Project – All I Ever Wanted
Thomas Bradley Project's "All I Ever Wanted" is a lovely folk-rock ballad that wraps you up in a warm, enveloping hug. The song has the perfect balance of cerebral lyrics, rich acoustic texture, and a melody that sticks to your consciousness long after the final note.
The song's lyrics are about the pain of yearning and the bittersweet ache of satisfaction in pursuing your dream.
The instrumentation is ideally well-balanced between simplicity and richness, with smooth acoustic strums, shrill harmonica, and quiet drumbeat providing the foundation. The bridge is the peak, where a violin spirals to create the intensity needed to heighten the emotional impact of the song.
For anyone who has ever lusted after something just out of reach, "All I Ever Wanted" provides a healthy reminder that sometimes arriving is all that counts. Mumford & Sons and Lumineers enthusiasts will have a new favourite anthem on their hands.
4. Sam George – Nothing Will Cure It
Sam George's "Nothing Will Cure It" is a brooding, alternative rock anthem with a biting attack. It is a lament from the trenches, talking about individual struggle and existence-based terror in frank, unvarnished honesty.
The song's lyrics are understated yet haunting, with muffled guitar chords and a slow, measured beat on the drums that echo the gravity of the words. Sam's abrasive vocals inject raw emotion into every lyric, drawing you further into the song's world.
When the chorus kicks in, it's a sound explosion—crunching guitars, pounding cymbals, and a vocal performance that is like a release of pent-up emotions. The song intensifies and releases, keeping fans on the edge in the most wonderful way possible.
"Nothing Will Cure It" excels at emotional truth and the production of high energy. It's a must-listen for those who enjoy darker, more introspective rock, and fans of Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins will love it.
5. ELDERLY WHITE MAN – Come Over Here and Stay
ELDERLY WHITE MAN puts some sassy, sensual life into the party with "Come Over Here and Stay," a jazz fusion number that's every bit as risqué as its title suggests. The track overflows with warmth, pairing clever melodies with an easygoing swing that refuses to leave your hips.
The track opens with a whimsical piano riff, soon joined by a velvety saxophone line that wraps around the listener like a smoky hug. The vocals are conversational and rich, with the singer’s sly delivery giving the lyrics an irresistible allure.
A special mention goes to the rhythm section, which includes syncopated percussion and propulsive bass playing that maintains the energy well. The bridge gives way to an unexpected but gorgeous scat solo, which showcases the technical chops and intelligence of the band.
"Come Over Here and Stay" is a delightful reminder that music still has room for intellectual richness and unadulterated joie de vivre. Ideal for a late-night lounge environment or an upbeat dinner party, the tune will have everyone smiling—and perhaps even dancing. Michael Bublé fans or Norah Jones aficionados will definitely be converts.
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