In this edition of LITM Rock Picks, a sense of bright calm and deep intensity that draws the listener in. This list of songs takes on emotions ranging from light optimism to deep, guarded intensity, and everything in between. Featuring artists David Bell, Aderyn, The Domi, and more!
1. Delta of Venus - Disengaged
‘Disengaged’ by Delta of Venus pulls on bright guitar melodies and sure percussion rhythms, while the lyrics delve into a relationship where there’s more give than take. A losing battle that feels one-sided, where our narrator’s sense of self seems close to non-existent.
Fear drives this pull-away, while the soundscape keeps steady and tethered to a bright sound that feels solid. “...You’re fighting and I’m trying to lose…”. “...If I won, maybe I’d lose you…”.
The mood is bittersweet, with dulcet rhythms set under lyrics that feel pained but disengaged. While also reflecting on how the narrator sees their situation.
Listen here:
2. James M Laroque - Need You
‘Need You’ by James M Laroque is a bright, nostalgic tune that captures the simple assuredness love grants those who feel it fully. Its bright, dynamic guitar melodies feel light, while the lyrics list out how our lovers met and where their stories went.
There’s a nostalgic quality to the soundscape that makes it feel almost timeless. This seems to perfectly complement the song’s theme and tone. Timeless nostalgia meeting assured surety. It’s almost settled in this mood, bright, calm and almost wholesome, sure in the revelation that our lovers were simply meant to be.
Familiar, nostalgic and steady.
Listen here:
3. David Bell - Dark Window
‘Dark Window’ by David Bell pools in this intensity of its emotions. The narrator on this track seems guarded, while the soundscape takes on an edge that is quick-paced. Its lyrics feel as though they’re holding something close, while the soundscape ramps up on the expansive intensity.
There’s acknowledgement in the narrator’s tone, a sense that they recognise their avoidance but won’t do much to change things.
“...You can’t see me through my dark window…
…Lost in the shadow…
…Away from you…”.
Bright melodies braid and build within instrumental intensity, allowing listeners to dive headfirst into the track’s guarded intensity.
Listen here:
4. Aderyn - Foreverever
‘Foreverever’ by Aderyn is a light indie pop-rock track that captures the brightness that captures this heady sense of optimism. Synths lead into loud instrumentation, exploding into that characteristic indie style. Bright, slightly muffled and a unique lightness.
“...Do you think about foreverever?...
…Do you think about it?...”.
Bright and quick-paced, the song feels as though it adds a spring to your step, spirnkled with encouragement and a show of support. “...(Just) because we don’t have it figured out, doesn’t mean we won’t make it…”.
Love and life take on a beat of optimism by the end of this song.
Listen here:
5. The Domi - Above the Noise
‘Above the Noise’ by The Domi takes on dynamic optimism with encouraging platitudes that feel warm with sincerity. Synths cascade over quick-paced funk melodies to allow the song’s bright energy to pop. “...Walk way from the shadow…”.
“...Always remember that you’re the one in charge…”.
The sound is groovy, complemented by expansive guitars and string-like instruments that allow the melodies on the track to expand. This expansion in the soundscape intensifies these building feelings of optimism, allowing the platitudes to hold more and more weight the more they’re repeated.
There’s this empowered sense of encouragement that seems to inspire optimism.
Listen here:
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.