In this edition of LITM Rock Picks we feature a variety of sub genres ranging from indie rock, folk rock, pop rock, and more, from artists Alex Gibson, Fake Plastic, DUEL NATIVE, Sam Feinstein, and Aaron Toronto.
Alex Gibson - Hurricane
Hurricane by Alex Gibson moves you in ways you would never expect. Alex Gibson pours his heart out, both in the instrumentation and vocals, exuding a rawness and passion that is infectious and penetrative. The song’s pensive percussion builds slowly and softly. Accompanying the softness and mercurial tone of the beat are the reflective rays and flutters of melody, all leading to a growing musical wave of a chorus. Atmospheric spreads, swelling keys, pumping drums, and soaring vocals intertwine into a formidable yet beautiful design in the chorus, exploding with the passionate musicality of Alex Gibson. His bold, impassioned, sincere voice anchors the music to the lyrical theme, spilling feelings all over the soundscape intentionally and with conviction. Alex Gibson’s understanding of melody, instrumental brilliance, and powerful lyricism shines through in this track. Listen to Hurricane by Alex Gibson here!
Fake Plastic - The Long Night (bunker recording)
Fake Plastic’s brand of indie rock is angry, mysterious, adventurous and poetic, given to you with an audacious authenticity that makes their music intriguing and memorable. The Long Night (bunker recording), their latest release is a compelling introduction to their style and gives you a glimpse of what is about to come. Jangly riffs delivered with a defiant edge, pounding drums, and raucous solos decorate the soundscape. Calculated pauses in the guitar-driven saturation, allows the soft, breezy drum beats to take centre stage injecting the groove bug in you. The vocal performance is pure adventure, at times controlled and at times frenzied, it adds enigma and excitement to the music, elevating the song’s appeal and addictiveness. Fake Plastic deliver an enthralling sound in The Long Night (bunker recording). Listen to it here!
DUEL NATIVE - One Street Back - Live
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, DUEL NATIVE aka Stephen Choi infuses a variety of influences, both cultural and musical in his soundscapes, creating a genre-defying, versatile sound that is distinct and refreshing. One Street Back - Live combines the musical brilliance of Stephen Choi along with violinist Erin Tidswell, guitarist Leong Chan, bassist Dylan Tolsma and drummer Rachel Hur. Radiant, weighty piano chords with the steady thumps of drums sets a driving rhythm and vibrant tone to the music, joined by the airy, smooth lead vocals and plush harmonies. The music builds in intensity, with growing layers of percussion and melodic depth into a stunning high, swiftly falling to tender, soft valleys of melodies that slip into silence. This phenomenon may come as a welcome pause, to allow the listener to grasp the musical and lyrical depth, but the silence slips away seamlessly into a soaring chorus, taking us back into the exuberance of the music, engulfing us in the grandness of it all. DUEL NATIVE’s performance is spectacular in this track. Listen to One Street Back - Live by DUEL NATIVE here!
Sam Feinstein - Need Me
Sam Feinstein crafts a dark, futuristic, and experimental sound in Need Me. With a musical background that is extensive and expansive across genres and instruments, Sam Feinstein infuses the music with unconventional, imaginative elements that make the listening experience intriguing and unique. The slow thumping of the drums beats like a hypnotising pendulum carrying you away to a constructed reality, bustling with atmospheric synths, psychedelic melodies, fuzzy riffs, metallic warbling motifs, and more quirky sonic embellishments. The vocals add their own layer of enigma to the music, being woven into melodies, distorting words, and undulating declarations. Sam Feinstein pushes the boundaries of musical expression by creating musical experiences that are ingenuine, idiosyncratic and truly interesting. Need Me is one such release from Sam Feinstein that displays the boldness, diversity and creativity with which Sam creates music. Listen to Need Me by Sam Feinstein here!
Aaron Toronto - Oh, The Joy
Aaron Toronto brings an exciting and enlivening style of pop rock compositions that will instantly become a part of your playlists. Oh, The Joy has a timeless, bright quality to it, heightened by the upbeat drums, vibrant guitars, and the expressive vocal performance. The guitars, golden and lush, add a warm, uplifting glow to the music. The synth blossoms, noodly melodies, and swelling atmospheric tunes radiate the sunny, blissful warmth of the music. Aaron Toronto’s voice, husky and grounding, adds story to the sound, commanding each melody with a confidence and charm that instantly impresses. Oh, The Joy is a feel-good song that will amp up spirit and get you grooving in no time. Aaron Toronto’s infectious energy and catchy melodies is reminiscent of artists like Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Jason Mraz, Bruno Mars, and The Beatles. Listen to Oh, The Joy by Aaron Toronto here!
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