This edition of LITM Rock Picks brings distinct sonic styles and riveting stories from artists Jeff Christie, Jade Moede, Modern Refuge, Fast Trains, and Mono XL.
Jeff Christie - Ordinary People
Jeff Christie returns to the spotlight with the heartfelt single, Ordinary People, from his latest album Here & Now. The famed singer-songwriter knows how to reach for the soul and fills it with warmth and wonder through evocative melodies and moving lyricism. This song is an ode to human connections, everyday things, and ordinary lives; a reflection on the trials and triumphs that unites us all, regardless of one’s societal status, in this precious journey called life. The musical landscape is inviting and immersive, with shimmery strums, winding melodies, breezy percussion, reverb-soaked notes, and plush harmonics. Jeff’s mature and grounded vocals draw calming, cathartic melodies onto the sound, ensuring that the song lingers in your mind. Ordinary People is a must-listen for everybody, not just for its soulful melodies but also for its profound message. Listen here!
Jade Moede - Don’t Wanna Be Your Frankenstein
Jade Moede’s music lies somewhere in the sphere of super old school, early 90s net art era, rock aesthetics. Through Jade’s music, you can peer into his mind—the quirky, witty, and humorous lyrical and sonic design in every song reflects his intriguing personality and fascinating authenticity. The striking single, Don’t Wanna Be Your Frankenstein, instantly draws you into the music. The rich acoustic strums, the gritty guitars, the thumping rhythm, and compelling vocals that open the track somehow takes you back in time with its vintage textures and yet feels refreshingly unique. The multi-layered vocals, delivering each melody emphatically and emotively, injects the song into your brain, getting you to sing along and stomp your feet to the beat almost instinctively. And, the story makes the song all the more gripping, so wait no further and listen here!
Modern Refuge - Wave Empire
If you ever miss the high-energy vibes of 70s acts, then Modern Refuge will come to your rescue. The musical group, an emerging, exciting name in the New Haven, Connecticut musical scene, brings a sweet blend of folk rock warmth, orchestral infusions, and psych rock energy that will leave you charmed. Their recent single, Wave Empire, is truly exquisite. It brings the band’s signature style and elevates it to newer, bolder heights. The song opens to a soft, slick start—the soundscape is embellished with luminous guitar strums, galloping beats, and expressive vocal deliveries. As the music mounts, brighter textures and speeding momentums are unleashed. Blooming synths, vibrant chords, distortion-soaked riffs, pounding drums and the towering vocals of the singer, all converge into a riveting sonic display. Wave Empire will turn you into a long-time fan of Modern Refuge. Listen here!
Fast Trains - For a Second of Your Smile
Fast Trains is the experimental solo project of Portsmouth born songwriter Tom Wells. Together with band members, the outfit crafts an inventive alt pop musical landscape set in an alluring, cryptic visual realm called ‘ourWorld,’ taking you on immersive and affecting listening journeys. The latest release, For a Second of Your Smile, gives you a glimpse into the textures and themes of Fast Trains’ highly anticipated upcoming album ‘Escape to ourWorld.’ The driving, urgent pulse of the beat anchors the music to a lively, infectious rhythm. The musical atmosphere, filled with somber, soaring, and shining melodies envelops you in the passion, enigma, and energy it holds. The lush, layered vocals add vibrancy and verve to the music, igniting a tender sense of euphoria and enthusiasm in you. For a Second of Your Smile is an invigorating and immersive release. Listen here!
Mono XL - World of Stone
Led by Spanish-born Mike de Lis, the London-based musical project Mono XL fuses nostalgic ’80s synths and an evocative vocal style, presenting soundscapes that consume you in its expansive, poetic, and emotive brilliance. The latest single, World of Stone, boasts a moving introspection and resonance in its lyricism. This coupled with the emotionally-charged, vast, and ethereal ambiance of the soundscape, makes the track an inescapably affecting, lingering listening experience. There is a haunting sense of melancholy that is tenderly and beautifully delivered through the sincere, delicate vocal performance. Each melody from the instrumentation is equally soaked in these heavy yet cathartic feelings, and as they wrap around you, the story and the sound seeps into every nook and corner of your being. World of Stone breaks and heals your heart simultaneously. Listen here!
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