LITM Singer-Songwriter picks tunes brought to you by Brian Noyes, Anjalts, The Post, E.G Phillips and The Schlordts.
Brian Noyes - Dollhouse Man
Brian Noyes whisks you off into a land of make-believe with "Dollhouse Man," a song that combines indie rock with a hint of thespian narrative. Jangly guitars and eerily evocative undertones in the song put you in your mind's eye, seeing your peer living his own itsy, make-believe world. The hook sets itself firmly within moments, anticipating words that flicker back and forth between seriousness and misery.The chorus is at once catchy and disturbing. Noyes' heart-wrenching yet emotionally removed delivery is ideally suited to the song's loneliness and yearning. The bridge brings in a suffering piano motif that raises the emotional stakes, bringing the song to a climax that is like escaping a small, close prison.
The juxtaposition of offbeat imagery and prophetic observation on control and perfectionism in this track is a testament to Noyes' artistic brilliance. The Decemberists and Neutral Milk Hotel fans will adore "Dollhouse Man" an instant grat—tasty little masterpiece that's intelligent and ear-addictive.
2. Anjalts - Just Stay 4 Awhile
Anjalts' "Just Stay 4 Awhile" is a soothing, nostalgic indie pop gem. When the initial chords are played, the song engulfs you in a feeling of ambient synth and gentle guitar strumming. It is a heartfelt expression of the longing for company with a heavy feeling of sincerity and nostalgia.
Anjalts' voice is delicate but powerful, and it is effortless for the singer to let the words convey the bittersweetness. The melody is a mournful amble of memories with flecks of pure enjoyment.
The song's production is subtle but formidable, with tasteful percussive elements and harmonies adding depth to the tune without suffocating its underlying intimacy. It's the type of song that should be included in a road trip playlist, going hand-in-hand with golden hour reflection or peaceful, starry nights.
If you’re a fan of artists like Phoebe Bridgers or Maggie Rogers, “Just Stay 4 Awhile” will hit all the right notes. It’s a beautifully crafted indie pop track that feels like a heartfelt hug—a fleeting moment you’ll want to hold onto.
3. The Post - Yellowstone
The Post's 'Yellowstone' is a sweeping paean to the majesty and mystery of the American wilds. Overloaded with folk-rock instrumentation—twangy guitars, harmonicas, and rolling percussion—the song absorbs the grandeur of open space and the contemplation it provokes.".
The words evoke vivid images. The Post's singing is down-to-earth and authentic as if you're sitting by the campfire swapping tales beneath a star-filled sky.
The aerial bridge solo on the fiddle is the showpiece that is precisely the right choice for the song's open and adventurous theme. It is rich but not heavy-handed because every instrument transports you to Yellowstone National Park.
The Lumineers or Fleet Foxes fans will adore "Yellowstone" as a breathtaking addition to their playlists. It's not only a song, but an experience—a musical postcard from the Wild West that leaves you homesick for the great outdoors.
4. E.G Phillips - The Albatross Song (Mellow like)
E.G. Phillips' "The Albatross Song" is a smooth, jazzy folk song that's like a languid Sunday afternoon sipping coffee and watching the world wake up. The song combines interesting storytelling with a smooth, relaxed melody that's as witty as it is calming.
Phillips’ warm, conversational vocals deliver lines with a touch of humour and philosophical depth. The arrangement—featuring gentle guitar picking, a strolling upright bass, and a soft brass section—adds a touch of sophistication while keeping the mood relaxed.
The song's appeal is in its ability to address existential issues with airy swagger. It's both serious and not sombre, playful but not at the expense of emotional depth. Randy Newman and Norah Jones fans will appreciate the innovative fusion of jazz and folk sensibilities.
"The Albatross Song" is a beautiful, finger-tapping song that puts you in a thinking mood, grinning from ear to ear, and possibly even dancing along. It's a small song of musical tranquillity, ideal for moments of meditation.
5. The Schlordts - Until There Was You
"Until There Was You" by The Schlordts is a brooding but optimistic alternative rock ballad that captures the redemptive power of love. The song begins with a haunting piano riff, slowly swelling into a sweeping anthem of self-discovery and emotional transformation.
The lyrics are poetic and very personal. The frontwoman for the Schlordts delivers these words nakedly emotional, her vocals soaring over a soundscape of pounding guitars and ambient strings.
The standout track is the bridge, where the tempo slows and the instrumentation dwindles to a heart-wrenching vocal solo. When the entire band returns, it's as if a wave is crashing onto the shore—a purging release that is tremendous and freeing.
For fans of Radiohead or Florence + The Machine, "Until There Was You" will be a deep cut. It's a song that lingers in your brain after it's gone, a tribute to the redemptive and healing power of the human touch.