In this edition of LITM Rock Picks, we bring you soulful soundscapes from artists Ivory Lake, GRAVA, Eric Duran Manard, Rob Ternus, and Andrew Moore and Hooch.
Ivory Lake - Reckless Enough To Be Free
Ivory Lake is out with their latest single “Reckless Enough To Be Free” and it’s a soulful ballad with beautiful instrumentation. Ivory Lake is the solo project of singer-songwriter and drummer Josh Watts. The song begins with a piano progression backed by an acoustic guitar. Gradually layers of keys come in, with the soothing voice of Josh until it evolves into a groovy and colourful melody. Rich sounding with keys and the guitars create a heavenly soundscape, where the song weaves uplifting melodies. Then there’s also the melancholy that creeps in. This alternative pop song dabbles with themes like isolation and hopelessness while holding the grace of the melody.
GRAVA - Bite the Hand that Bleeds
GRAVA is out with her latest EP album “Bite the Hand that Bleeds” and the title song is the opening track of the EP. The track has a tinge of darkness and a whole lot of groove with its electronic beats and soaring vocals. By the end of the song, there’s an evolution that happens where the genre shifts to aggressive riffs, tight drum beats and powerful vocals bringing the alternative rock elements to the mix. GRAVA’s vocals guide the song from start to the end and as it progresses, there’s an arch that happens along with the intensity of the song. The song “Bite the Hand that Bleeds” is produced and arranged so intricately that the song evolves organically.
Eric Duran Manard - A Road Without Any More Detours (Dawn Breaks Anew)
Indie artist Eric Duran Manard releases his new album “A Road Without Any More Detours (A Journey of Ten Chapters: Step toward His Light)” and “A Road Without Any More Detours (Dawn Breaks Anew)” is the second song of the album. The song navigates through his life experiences and spiritual journey and takes the listener through a transformative melody. Adopting the soul of progressive rock, Eric weaves his saga of spirituality with scorching guitar riffs, layered vocals and tight drum beats. “A Road Without Any More Detours (Dawn Breaks Anew)” is a song about finding go even if there are obstacles in your path. The song urges the listener to find a way and how the path you’re seeking will open up.
Rob Ternus - Drive (Instrumental)
Rob Ternus releases his song “Drive (Instrumental)” from his latest EP Album “Pipeline” and it’s a symphony of heavenly keys and a driving guitar lead. The distorted tone of the guitar is the first thing you’d notice in the song, the faded crisp tone with the heavenly backing leads the melody in this instrumental song. Slivers of synth sounds and soft beats follow the melody creating an ethereal soundscape for the lead guitar melody to glide through. Soft backing vocals also come into the soundscape at various portions of the song. The lead melody flows through the background like someone narrating a story of hope. The beautiful melody is one that will leave you spellbound and at peace.
Andrew Moore and Hooch - Spaceman
The five-piece band from London Andrew Moore and Hooch is out with their debut album “Artists of the Moon” and “Spaceman” is the eleventh song in the album. A masterful melody crafted with harmony layered vocals occasionally accompanied by the soulful saxophone, “Spaceman” is a poignant track blending elements of rock and pop music. The combination brings forth a swaying melody encapsulated with guitar progressions and soft drum beats that are bound to transport the listener. The song is written for Andrew’s oldest son Stetson, who has always wanted to be an astronaut. Blending jazzy lines with the backdrop of soft rock, the band delivers a poignant and graceful song that’ll connect on a deeper level with the listener.
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