In this week’s LITM Pop Picks, each track has a unique sonic character fusing elements from pop, electronic, synth, indie and rock genres. Witness a wide range of stories— from celebrating life, women empowerment, longing for a lover’s embrace, self-acceptance and reflections post-breakup featuring artists Mardi Tickle, Lauren Minear, Kinga Angelys, Ripsime and Rob Giles.
Mardi Tickle - Mennyt on valmis
"Mennyt on valmis" by Mardi Tickle is a vibrant explosion of sound, fusing electronica, glam rock, and synth in a pop concoction. The track bursts with life, painting a colorful sonic canvas that instantly gets you grooving with its disco-esque rhythm. There's a celebratory grandeur in the sound, evoking a lust for life. Regardless of your proficiency in the language, this Finnish dance anthem conveys the universal energy of celebration and enjoying the present moment. Mardi Tickle's voice adds a fresh and playful dimension to the lyrics, making the track irresistibly engaging. The music inevitably reminds you of dancing shoes, disco balls, colorful lights and high spirits. "Mennyt on Valmis" is a musical celebration of life's joy and exuberance.
Lauren Minear - The Way It Was
In "The Way it Was” by Lauren Minear, the NY-based singer-songwriter weaves together powerful melodies with a vital social message on women's rights and empowerment. The song reflects the artist’s feelings about the current state of politics surrounding women’s issues, especially in light of the Supreme Court's repeal of Roe v Wade. Minear's song becomes a beacon of strength and support in times of uncertainty and difficulty. With driving guitar riffs that distort in texture, uplifting drums, and energetic piano melodies, the music complements Minear's passionate vocals and serves as the perfect vehicle for carrying the song’s crucial message. With lyrics, such as "We'll never stop trying while women are dying, we come from the earth, love that's how you were made", the universality of women's struggles resonates, fostering a sense of togetherness and empathy. Minear's passionate vocals directly connect with listeners, making this a validating anthem that showcases her ability to address social issues through impactful music.
Kinga Angelys - Home (Is Where My Honey Is)
"Home (Is Where My Honey Is)" by Kinga Angelys, hailing from Germany and featuring Joe Wilkinson, is a soul-stirring ballad that narrates a touching tale of love and longing. Kinga's velvety vocals intertwine just right with Wilkinson's gentle baritone–like when you’re holding hands with a lover and the fingers fit right into place, creating a heart-warming harmony. The mellow acoustic melodies, accompanied by soft rhythmic drums, forms a comforting bed of sounds for the lyrics to lay gently. The track's intimate storytelling of longing for a beloved's presence and the anticipation of reuniting with a loved one, is honest and heartfelt. The harmonious hooks, windy chimes, and soothing vocals transports you to a cozy winter haven, enveloped in your loved one's embrace. This song serves as a reminder that home is not just a place but a feeling of belonging and love.
Ripsime - Wicked & Wise
Ripsime, the London-based musician and visual artist, unleashes her experimental and artistic prowess in "Wicked & Wise," the third track from her EP "Capsule I: Wicked and Wise." This electro-pop marvel blends foreboding synth tones, suave guitar licks, groovy rhythms, and textured vocals, resulting in an irresistibly idiosyncratic sound that begs for repeated listens. The song’s masterful arrangement showcases electronica, pop, and synth sounds with innovative finesse. Recorded in Armenia, the song is a result of self-introspection, with the lyrics delving deep into the emotional labyrinth of identity, self-discovery and acceptance. Ripsime’s poetic wordplay delves into themes of duality in our psyche and navigating the thin blurry lines between the light and dark inside each of us. The song culminates in self-acceptance, as Ripsime embraces her multifaceted nature, declaring, "I party with the wicked and wise." With "Wicked & Wise" Ripsime reveals her avant-garde sonic artistry leaving an imprint in the electronic pop scene.
Rob Giles - New Mistake
In "New Mistake" from his latest album, Meditation Drive-Thru, LA-based singer-songwriter Rob Giles showcases his prowess as a multi-instrumentalist and lyricist. The track unfolds with soulful melodies and a soft rhythm, setting a contemplative tone that mirrors the aftermath of a breakup. Giles's raw and gentle vocals delicately portray the journey of filling life with new experiences, including jumping head-first into another relationship, to cope with the void left by an ex-lover. The soft guitar picks, melancholic piano, and minimal rhythm create a poignant soundscape, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the emotional nuances. Giles's ability to craft realistic and simple lyrics, coupled with uncluttered yet powerful musical arrangements, elevates "New Mistake" to a deeply personal musical experience.
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