In this week’s edition of LITM Pop Picks, explore powerful emotions through a range of sonic elements and qualities from artists Dave Mohan, Nicole Sophia, Melina Hazewood, Sam Feinstein and Indolore.
Dave Mohan - Somewhere Beyond the Blue
Known for composing music that tugs at the heart and delves into ethereal sonic realms, Dave Mohan wrings out beautiful emotions in the latest release titled “Somewhere Beyond the Blue”. The song, a sincere and affectionate musical farewell, swells with lulling piano notes, folk-tinged violins and an angelic voice that instantly mesmerizes. The musical arrangement is intentional in its minimalism– allowing each sonic element to seep through and soak your entire being. Melodies played on the piano flicker like stars and bring light to the celestial atmosphere of the song. The violins are delightfully fragile and grow in intensity during a dedicated interlude—evoking emotions of grief, love and closure. Carolina de la Muela’s vocals are silk-like—golden and fragile, shining bright through the backdrop and yet delicately woven into melodic notes.
Nicole Sophia - Small Talk
“Small Talk” by Nicole Sophia has a fresh indie-pop vibe with a rock infusion in the guitar riffs. The lyrics speak directly to those caught in the toxic web of pretense and superficiality in their portrayal of themselves in social settings— a universal affliction that we all suffer with, as a result of social and/or self-imposed pressures and prejudices. The song gently rocks the listener with its down-tempo drumming, melancholic ambiance and reverberating guitar hooks. Nicole’s voice radiates feelings of fatigue, disappointment and hope imbuing the song with emotional depth. Her voice echoes the power and vulnerability found in the vocal deliveries of artists like Hozier and Maggie Rogers.
Melina Hazewood - Powerful
Melina Hazewood, a musical prodigy, does justice to the song’s title “Powerful” with her commanding vocals and impactful lyrics honoring women. The song is an ode to women– a “powerful” force, formidable yet gentle, like the ocean. It advocates for self-love while also validating the struggles of womanhood. The song’s music video, shot in black and white, captures the duality of the deeply-rooted power and glistening honesty infused in the song. Scenes of Melina exploring the gardens of Paris adds a personal and historical touch to the video. The song opens with a mystical ambiance brought out by emphatic piano melodies and Melina’s passionate vocal delivery. The music expands in texture and intensity with the introduction of brooding strings, resonating bass and vocal harmonies, evoking feelings of empowerment, respect and solidarity. There is a gravity and enigma to her voice that grabs your attention, like a full moon in the night sky. Fans of Lana Del Rey, Adele and Alicia Keys will enjoy Melina’s artistry.
Sam Feinstein - Hamster Wheel
“Hamster Wheel” by Sam Feinstein, a genre-bending multi-instrumentalist, is bursting with nostalgia, energy and vibrancy. With each replay, you discover entirely new and nuanced sonic elements—fractals of synth, jangly guitar hooks, booming basslines, fast-paced percussion, harmonica flourishes, to name a few. Sam’s vocals float effortlessly in this rich musical space, while being tethered to the rest of the instrumentation. Although the lyrics ironically explore the gloomy and vexing struggle of being stuck in a rut–be it your career, personal life or otherwise, the song’s lively and bounteous music lightens the blow of the lyrical narrative, one which haunts many of us. There are pops of funk, indie, rock, synth-pop and retro-electronica scattered all over the music, which makes the listening experience thoroughly entertaining.
Indolore - How much longer
“How much longer” by Indolore, is the second track on his latest album “Paris” — a musical persuasion to believe in love. Warmth and romance emanate from the up-beat rhythm and melodic acoustics that adorn this track. Indolore’s baritone voice has a grounding quality allowing it to carry the emotional weight of anticipating a lover’s acceptance and embrace, spoken of in the lyrics. As the music amps up in energy and tonality towards the song’s finale, the singer’s voice transforms into vibrant high-pitched notes, piano notes channel organ-like sustained tunes, and a luminous ambiance emerges to conclude in a blissful solitary vocal melody. The song is a cathartic release for anyone feeling heavy from pent-up concerns in romance.
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