LITM Rock picks tunes brought to you by The Dialtones, Attack the Sound, Jungaji, Alwyn Morrison and Mantrix Storm!
The Dialtones - Naming No Names
The Dialtones' latest single, Naming No Names, is a breathtaking exercise in artistry that sets the bar high for albums this month. The Austin group, fronted by the remarkably gifted Lauren Gurgiolo, gives us a haunting and catchy song. Gurgiolo's personal experience with bipolar 1 disorder is incorporated beautifully into the song, and it makes for a deeply emotional and engrossing listen.
The track has smooth production, impeccable mixing that makes it somber, and great instrumentation that plays the emotional part of the song to perfection. From the first chords to the final echoes, Naming No Names holds listeners spellbound with sheer force. Gurgiolo's vocals are entrancing, sticking in your head long after the song ends.
As the first single from their upcoming EP, this track sets the stage for what is shaping up to be a great release. Smoothly bridging vulnerability and artistry, Naming No Names is a free-for-all rollercoaster ride of the highs and lows of mania, feeling the rush and the darker ramifications in equal measure. The Dialtones have done something here that is nothing short of incredible, leaving one wanting more.
2. Attack the Sound - Wake Up Call
Attack the Sound's Wake Up Call is a soul-provoking song that mingles introspection and hooks in a reflective and infectious soundscape. This Chicago project, led by Davo Sounds, stitches together soul, R&B, pop, rock, and jazz into a rich tapestry that's both classic and synthetically new.
The melody starts with a gentle guitar riff, developing into rich, rhythmic texture that suits the sincere lyrics to perfection. Davo's sincere singing engulfs you as he struggles with the questions of self-realization and resilience: "Trying to figure out what my life's about." Production is accompanied by glorious keys and celestial synths, resulting in a rich layering of texture.
The call-and-response sections, the repeated "got to figure out," resonate so strongly, highlighting the introspective nature of the song. The understated but powerful electronic undertones bring yet another layer to ensure Wake Up Call is a thinker and a dancer.
The authenticity of Davo Sounds shines right through, and this song is a beacon of hope and determination. It's one song that's unlike any other and has the ability to stir listeners to draw on their strength in the face of adversity.
3. Jungaji - Ol' Rooster
Jungaji’s Ol’ Rooster is a poignant tribute to his late father, celebrating the resilience and love of a man who profoundly shaped his life. Rooted in the sugarcane regions of Birrigubba Gia country, the track combines heartfelt storytelling with rich cultural significance, creating a deeply moving listening experience.
The song captures the essence of a young boy growing up on the fringes, supported by a father whose strength and dedication are palpable throughout the lyrics. Jungaji’s evocative delivery brings these stories to life, blending his cultural roots with contemporary musicality. The track’s title pays homage to his father’s beloved Roosters football team, a nickname that stayed with him until his passing into the dreamtime.
Musically, Ol' Rooster is a masterclass in blending old and new sounds. Its soulful tone and honest lyrics are an ageless love song of legacy, appreciation, and love.
A part of his new album Betting On Blak, the song further cement Jungaji as one to watch as a teller of tales and cultural voice. It is not only a dedication to his dad's memory, but a track that gives his people resilience and pride.
4. Alwyn Morrison - Chained
Chained by Alwyn Morrison is an emotional statement that has a minimalist but fervent arrangement. Composed in-flight and recorded in Los Angeles by producer Michael Carey, the song is the most personal work Morrison ever composed, exploring the extent of love for a person with depression.
The tune is accompanied by soft guitar strums and insistent percussion, giving the song a close and confessional feel. Morrison's expressive, raspy voice bears the burden of the song's emotions, expressing tenderness and determination. The lyrics are bare of ornament, poetic, and evocative of stark images of emotional entanglement and stubborn devotion: "Chained to a darkroom" encapsulates the double-edged nature of love and despair.
The subtlety of the production lets the emotional core of the song speak for itself, as laid-back background harmonies add body and realism. This restraint releases the raw integrity of the track, making it even more effective.
Chained is a tribute to Morrison's capacity for turning highly personal experiences into pain-understoodly relatable songs. It's a song that clings, providing comfort for those who are in similar struggle.
5. Mantrix Storm - Play no game
Mantrix Storm's Play no game is a blues and funk groove fest that catches you from the opening beat. Upfront and in-your-face, the song uses contemporary production in conjunction with vintage flavours to create an irresistible concoction that just has to be played again and again.
The Dutch-lyric section is a welcome surprise, integrating nicely with the taut beat and showman energy of the cut. The assertive beat and swagging rhythm bring to mind the winking worldly-playfulness of Jamiroquai and the experimental edge of Fatboy Slim. Yet Mantrix Storm makes his own mark, presenting something new that somehow seems distinctly now.
The performance is slow and measured, and each level—the thwacking bass, the glassy keys, the guitar solos—is situated in proximity to each other. The end result is a song that is both musically intent and catchingly pleasing.
Speel geen game is a strong statement by Mantrix Storm, evidencing him to be capable of blending genres and getting individuals to listen to him due to his charm that one cannot resist. It's a track that grabs your attention and you end up needing more.
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