This edition of LITM Rock Picks features romance, warmth, passion, power, and purpose in arresting soundscapes from artists A J Green UK, Marshall Oakman, Maddison Breen, The Ancient Unknown, and The Flip Phones.
A J Green UK - Take It Off
Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Anthony Green aka A J Green UK, once again offers an arresting soundscape in “Take It Off.” Erupting with passion and desire, the soundscape surrounds you in an intimate and amorous atmosphere. The shuffling percussion and soft beats create a feeling of slow-burning tension, the irresistible rhythm of attraction. Slick guitar melodies dot the music in exciting tones, while glowing riffs bring a thrilling distortion to the music. It’s rock translated into romance. The vocal duet adds a riveting dynamic to the music. The male and female lead vocals are equally captivating, each one trying to charm the other—the debonair, baritone melodies of Green waltzing alongside the velvety, charismatic melodies of the female singer. The result is an addictive track. Listen here!
Marshall Oakman - See You Again
Marshall Oakman transports you to the golden age of rock n roll, with his heartfelt, warm, and lively soundscape in “See You Again.” Having earned comparisons to artists like The Beatles, Oakman builds his music with foundations in meaningful songwriting, and elevating it with immersive pop-rock atmospheres, uplifting melodies, and catchy deliveries. This track wraps around your heart from the get go—its swinging rhythms, bright tones, and expressive vocal melodies bring back a nostalgic charm and comforting emotionality that makes it an instant favorite. The galloping drums add a fleeting momentum, the guitar riffs and piano melodies fill the music with a bittersweet feeling, and the singer’s infectious energy lightens the profoundness of the theme—the power, positivity and resilience of connections. “See You Again” is a heartwarming listen. Check it out here!
Maddison Breen - Odesa
UK-born, promising artist Maddison Breen, along with Amela, creates a moving, magnificent indie-pop-rock sonic experience in “Odesa.” The soundscape is powered by raw emotions. Its balance of passionate expression and vulnerable introspection makes room for both clarity and catharsis, displaying the musicians’ compelling ability to merge meaning and music. Maddison’s voice carries a commanding eloquence, her melodies brimming with sincerity and passion spill it onto the music. The vocal duet, rich and captivating, is the heart and soul of the music. Rich ranges of harmonies fortify the dynamic landscape of lead vocals. The bold and powerful release of emotions in this track is freeing for the soul, in a world that forcefully demands restraint and pretense from people. Maddison Breen emerges as a refreshing, riveting voice in the contemporary music scene, promising a sound that will rouse your spirit. Listen here!
The Ancient Unknown - Animals
The Ancient Unknown are a London-based fusion rock/prog metal troop whose soundscapes can range from hard-hitting punk anthems or melancholic indie gems. “Animals,” their latest release, is a potent, power-packed, profound track that reflects on human disconnection, decadence, and destruction, especially zooming into the effects it has had on nature and animals. The soundscape erupts with anger and angst, animated with the hard-hitting metal/punk rock atmospheres. Searing guitar lines and gravelly riffs relentlessly soar alongside pounding beats of thunderous drums. The roaring rage and raw emotion spectacularly explodes and colors the soundscape in its blindingly bright tones. The fervent vocal melodies are splashed across the music, its repeating echoes, almost haunting in its wailing calls, etches itself into your heart. This thought-provoking track comes with an absorbing music video that is equally stunning and surreal, taking you on a sonic journey that is unforgettable. Listen here!
The Flip Phones - Polaris
The Flip Phones are an indie acoustic-driven rock band from Arlington. “Polaris,” the latest release, is a radiant indie gem that blends sweet retro shimmer with soft introspection. The uplifting message echoes a much needed message that even in the darkest time, there is light, the steady, guiding star in the sky no matter where you look from. With a lively rhythmic heartbreak and prismatic guitar melodies, the song feels like a colorful dawn bursting at the seams, spraying you with hope and positivity. The track captures the quiet chaos of not knowing where you're headed—but moving anyway. The melodies convince you to keep going—in any direction—and not stop at the face of uncertainty. Nostalgic yet fresh, it feels like a tender anthem loaded with 90s alt-pop charm. “Polaris” is like a sonic compass, guiding you through life’s dark days with a glistening groove. Listen here!
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