This edition of LITM Rock Picks presents bold, rich, and intricate rock arrangements from artists Animal Souls, Mr. Coole, The Gerry Farrow Band, 9 o’ clock Nasty, and The Sea at Midnight.
Animal Souls - The Kids
The Kids by Animal Souls is a special song, not just because it has been carefully constructed over 35 years, but because it speaks of a youthful innocence and exuberance that is as refreshing as the song’s spiritedness. Animal Souls is the multi-genre indie music project of Michael Fisher, based in Abbotsford, BC. This latest release reflects Animal Souls’ evolution and expertise, bringing a bold, raw, and infectiously energetic soundscape. Crisp, charged riffs and searing, slick solos illuminate the sound with uplifting vigor while thumping, driving drum beats anchor the music to a heart-racing momentum. With Ava Wolsynuk on vocals, the music comes alive through impassioned, majestic melodies that inject your heart with rousing energy. The Kids is pure, potent indie rock energy that will amp up your mood. Listen here!
Mr. Coole - Trop Désolé
Blending the lustrous finish of pop, expressive intensity of rock, and emotive tenderness of blues, Mr. Coole presents a reflective, penitent atmosphere in latest release, Trop Désolé. The French musician, producer, and singer-songwriter tugs at the heartstrings with the vulnerable, honest lyricism which lays bare deeply personal feelings with a disarming intimacy, which also exposes the veiled universality of such emotions. The soundscape, over its almost-eight-minute runtime, puts forth a wide spectrum of melodic tones, textures, and depth. From fragile, wistful moments where the vocals and instrumentation gently quiver under the weight of remorse, all the way up to soaring, celestial refrains that explode with rich, vibrant layers of melody and emphatic declarations of repentance, the soundscape envelops you in its moving emotionality. Trop Désolé is an unforgettably affecting track. Listen here!
The Gerry Farrow Band - Mountains
UK-based indie rock outfit The Gerry Farrow Band, led by singer-songwriter Gerry Farrow, delivers a dose of existential contemplation with their latest release, Mountains. The lyrics magnify on those realisations that unravel with age, taking shape in the silence and spaciousness of slow, personal, and sometimes illusory moments. The music brings a guitar-driven folksy rock atmosphere propelled by galloping drum beats. The confidently expressive vocal melodies suffuse the music with reflective warmth and wisdom. Bright acoustic strums interlace with blazing solos and rich riffs. This forms a stunning backdrop for the charged, layered vocal performance, evoking a timeless and familiar 70s-80s sonic aesthetic. Names like Dire Straits and Fleetwood Mac definitely come to mind. Mountains holds a thematic depth and melodic strata which makes the song deeply engaging and memorable. Listen here!
9 o’clock Nasty - Kid Blast
Leicester-based rock act 9 o’clock Nasty conjures an artsy, authentic, and audacious sound, blending punk fervor, indie and hard rock energy. The latest release, Kid Blast, brings an effortlessly cool, excited, and energetic atmosphere. The soundscape feels bold and boisterous- the gritty riffs pairing nicely with the pounding stomps of upbeat drum rhythms. The hollering vocals ooze a confidence and casual conviction making you instantly connect to the song’s message. But it does not just stop there, the song slowly reveals an abundance and intricacy both in its sound and story- chiming bells accompany the urgent, driving drums, booming bass lines cushion punchy riffs, and raucous layers of voices support the singer’s enthusiasm. 9 o’clock Nasty knows how to pack their music with power, wit, and charm. Listen here!
The Sea at Midnight - Wait For Rain
Los-Angeles-based singer-songwriter Vincent Grant’s rock project, The Sea at Midnight, crafts compelling alt rock, post-punk-gothic soundscapes. The latest release, Wait For Rain instantly ensnares you in its deep, dark world. The music firmly holds the tragic, necessary, and hard-hitting weight of the lyrical theme- a vivid exploration of droughts and wildfires caused by climate change. Winding synth melodies open the music alongside pounding drums. Glowing guitar notes rest on thrumming synth blooms. The singer’s sincere, heartfelt vocals draw moving melodies. Intense riffs rain down on the soundscape and the lightning flashes of synth tunes hypnotize. The instrumentation feels as urgent, despondent, and intense as the message, however, the artist embeds an understated sense of hope in the sound which manifests as a soft melodic radiance, easing the heart. Wait For Rain is a must-listen!
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.
Discovered via https://app.musosoup.com #sustainablecurator