In this edition of LITM Rock Picks, we bring an impressive mix of rock music that moves your soul with note-worthy instrumentation and profound lyricism from artists Johnathan Maske, West Wickhams, The Margaret Hooligans, Nomad Disco, and Fiona Amaka.
Johnathan Maske - Don’t Shoot The Messenger
Denver-based musician Johnathan Maske lays bare his indie soul in his latest release, Don’t Shoot The Messenger, a passionate and personal take on the state of worldly politics. The track is part of Johnathan Maske’s upcoming debut album “Down The Valley.” The song exudes various musical styles, indie-rock, alternative, country, and classic rock being the most prominent. A steady thump of clangy drums forms the heartbeat of this song. Warm, resonant guitar riffs flow smoothly across the soundscape, injecting a reflective yet evocative spirit into the music. The singer elevates the song’s appeal with a stirring vocal performance, his voice full of fervor, controlled yet free, displaying impressive skill. Listen to Don’t Shoot The Messenger here!
West Wickhams - I am Sparkling Cyanide
West Wickhams artfully brews a hypnotizing blend of genres in their latest track, I am Sparkling Cyanide, introducing listeners to their unique sonic style— psychedelic garage noir. The song has an irresistible allure and enigmatic quality, characterized by the reverb-drenched vocals, jangly guitar riffs, and pulsing basslines. The drums have a fitting rawness that adds character to the music. Dark synth-esque melodies bring an air of doom and glistening bass notes add sonic depth. Each layer of sound, ghostly yet alive, reveals itself with eerie grace, exposing the musical prowess and idiosyncratic aesthetic of the West Wickhams. Listen to I am Sparkling Cyanide here!
The Margaret Hooligans - Main Street Zulus
Main Street Zulus inks itself into your memory thanks to the thumping raw rhythm, blaring riffs, and arresting vocal performance. The Margaret Hooligans, known for their energetic and smashing good renditions of garage rock, funk, and soul, bring us another musical cracker that bursts with passion and power. The song celebrates rock in its towering distortion-bathed riffs, fiery ukelele chords, and pitched-up solos. Fast-paced percussion drives the song forward and the music zooms past with a stylish disobedience to melody. The singer’s fierce and commanding voice puts on an exuberant and fervent show, one that captivates from the very first moment. The lyrics bring out the grim and botched realities of online dating with injurious honesty and relatability. Main Street Zulus is a mind-altering listen and you can enjoy it here!
Nomad Disco - Coma
Coma by Nomad Disco is a sonic whirlwind engulfing you in gusts of goth-rock, metal, post-punk, and shoegaze. The track is part of Nomad Disco’s latest album “Pressure Island.” Opening with brooding basslines, mid-tempo rhythm, and gritty guitar riffs, the song sets a pensive and contemplative tone. As the song progresses, the music grows in intensity with each element unleashing its aural wrath in a monumental show of instrumental prowess. The song is lyrically profound and delves into themes of social ruin, political foul play, and worldly decay. The vocals, emphatic and heartfelt, morph in tonality between passionate outcry and deep ruminative chants. Nomad Disco crafts a formidable and rousing experience in Coma displaying commendable skill. Indulge in the stellar showcase of sounds in Coma by listening to it here!
Fiona Amaka - Standing Right Beside You
Fiona Amaka, a London-based singer-songwriter, tugs at our heartstrings in her latest track Standing Right Beside You. Fiona’s voice takes center stage, with its deep and mature quality, oozing emotions with every melody that is conquered with elegance. The resonant acoustic strums, catchy rhythm, and moving guitar solos celebrate Fiona’s rich musical influences rooted in blues, rock, and soul. The music is colored in shades of love, melancholia, and rumination, and Fiona’s sincere singing evokes a sense of empathy, bringing these feelings to the surface. Simple yet soul-stirring music paired with poignant lyricism makes Standing Right Beside You by Fiona Amaka a sensational acoustic experience. Listen to it here!
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