This edition of LITM Pop Picks brings captivating soundscapes from artists Kelsie Kimberlin, First Echo, Mahto and The Loose Balloons, Rebecca Helen, and Andi Fins.
Kelsie Kimberlin - Sally
Kelsie Kimberlin’s resounding pop sensibilities and beyond-her-age lyrical depth shine through in her latest release “Sally.” It is a playful, peppy pop song on the outside, but as always, the American-Ukrainian musician expertly embeds a powerful message in it. The production is bright and rich with prismatic synths, pumping beats, and vibrant guitars—easily pulling you into a state of excitement and delight. However, there are strong undercurrents to this thrill—realities like grappling with loss from war, battling mental health issues, finding resilience, discovering who you are, and growing into your empowered self are subtly woven into the music, giving you, the listener, the freedom to discover and be moved by it, if you venture deep in. “Sally” once again establishes Kelsie Kimberlin’s command over pop aesthetics and profound storytelling. Listen here!
Darkroom Data - First Echo
Irish vocalist Gillian NoVa and Brazilian composer Márcio Paz are the duo behind Darkroom Data’s mesmeric and minimalist soundscapes. “First Echo” unveils itself slowly, giving you just enough melodic steps to climb into its expanse. Wistful and dreamy, the dark ethereality of the music feels inviting, comforting in fact. Delicate, airy vocals guide you, gently nudging you forward with its breezy embrace. Lush atmospheric synths emerge, its soft, sparse, and spacious arrangement forms a backdrop as hypnotic as the sight of luminous galaxies scattered across the vast cosmos. There is as much enchantment and enigma in the empty spaces and pauses as there is in the melodies. The song’s haunting, aching beauty is that it offers so much with so little. Listen here!
Mahto and The Loose Balloons - 1300
A folksy, evocative journey awaits in Mahto and The Loose Balloons’ latest single “1300.” The single is from their recent album, “Knock Knock It’s The Loose Balloons.” The Tennessee-based four piece outfit, balance sweeping, swirling textures of organic and synthetic instrumentation creating a sound as warm and inviting as it is unique and mysterious. A mellow pulse of bells drives the sound in its steady momentum, joined by reverb-drenched guitar melodies. It fills the musical atmosphere with a whimsical, celestial aura. Denser layers of bass and rich harmonies surface slowly as the music evolves. The singer’s raw, emphatic vocal performance is soaked in emotion and sincerity. “1300” is a one-of-a-kind listen and authentic to the core. Check it out here!
Rebecca Helen - Patterns In The Sky
Cape Town-based singer-songwriter Rebecca Helen transmutes grief into uplifting hope and strength in latest release, “Patterns In The Sky.” Through the song, she reminds us that despite the profound pain and sadness of losing a loved one, their love and affection endures, palpably surrounding you. The musical backdrop captures a brimming sense of optimism, love, and catharsis, the kind that is evoked by perceiving their presence in the beauty of the world. Indie-pop elements gleam through the music- the sprawling synths, energetic rhythms, ethereal harmonies, and Rebecca’s radiant vocal melodies seamlessly converge forming a colorful, lush soundscape. “Patterns In The Sky” has a graceful and gorgeous pop sound. Listen here!
Andi Fins - Love It
Berlin-based singer, songwriter, and pianist. Andi Fins, never fails to deliver an absorbing sound. The authenticity, fluidity, and fusion of sounds in his music is of a rare kind and always finds a way to linger in your mind. In “Love It,” the latest release, Andi Fins presents some of his signature elements, elevated with newer atmospheres. The galloping beat mesmerizes, moving between mellow strides and shuffling rhythms. Synths are spilt artfully over the soundscape. Prismatic guitars decorate the sound—weighty bass notes, luminous motifs, and punchy lines interlace in subtle, minimal designs. Andi Fins’ laid-back, effortlessly cool vocals along with vibrant harmonies adds to the fun. The title-touting vocal hook is a potent earworm, the kind that you will unexpectedly catch yourself humming for many days. Listen here!
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