LITM Rock Picks tunes for your weekend playlist brought to you by Jody and the Jerms, The Worry People, Lurcher, 9’o clock Nasty and Sleeping Together.
Jody and the Jerms - Hooch and Happiness
Jody and the Jerms' "Hooch and Happiness" is a sunny splash of indie pop that's filled with sun and nostalgia. From the opening guitar chords to the driving percussion, the song is as nice as a good afternoon with friends. Jody's silky, melodic voice rides smoothly atop hooky instrumentation, and the effect is as charming as infectious. The tune is a tribute to small pleasures in life, from clinking beers to clinking laughter, set against a carefree and lively atmosphere. The chorus is infectiously catchy, even inviting a sing-along, and the arrangement is always making it stay lively and animated. The track is one of the several evidence of how the band perfectly mixes sentimental songwriting with happy, carefree tunes. "Hooch and Happiness" would be perfect for a person who requires a musical pick-me-up or reminder to appreciate life's little, happy things.
2. The Worry People - Stamp
The Worry People's "The Stamp" is a reflective rock treasure that moves the heart. From its straight-up guitar tunes to its verse words, the track sounds like an extremely personal conversation about the modern digital world. The fiery, passionate lead vocals are paired with drums nicely, creating an amazing sonic soundscape. The track musically addresses tenacity, maturity, and legacy that we create, with metaphors that are extremely relatable. Adding guitar strings and absolute percussion gives the song an otherworldly glow, enhancing without occluding its raw truth. When the song builds to its climactic third chorus, it's as if there is a release of feeling that renders the listener whole and optimistic. "Stamp" is a must-listen for anyone looking for a great rock song! It is fittingly great at portraying the rock genre.
3. Lurcher - Stone Island
Lurcher's "Stone Island" is an engrossing foray into post-punk, saturated with dark intensity and raw energy with a mercurial note. The first note sets the tone for something ominous, brooding with the snarling bassline and angular guitar riffs. The rhythm section is pounding and relentless, giving the song a desperation that grasps the listener. Raw and emotive vocals are ideal for expressing the rebelliousness and frustration that define the tone of the song. "Stone Island" lyrically addresses the determination and internal turmoil of capitalism, producing a very real image of struggling through adversity. Production on the track is rugged but unfiltered, holding firm to the unpolished sound that post-punk enthusiasts devour. As the song builds towards its climax, relentless energy borders on being smothering, allowing for some form of release in the listener. "Stone Island" is the best of Lurcher's tracks as they walk a line between intensity and introspection and establish their territory in alternative.
4. 9’o clock Nasty - Crowland
9 o’clock Nasty's "Crowland" is an unsympathetic homage to garage rock's raw potential. The song is handled by searing guitars and a persistent rhythm section that never relents. The vocals are swaggering, lead reciting clever, cheeky lines as much fun to analyze as to sing along to. The tune has a raw power that is akin to jumping into a manic live show, with just enough anarchy to create interest. The chorus is where it takes off, catchy and rebellious, capturing the devil-may-care attitude behind the band's sound. "Crowland" is a song that doesn't overdo it, and that's why it's charming. With its rough exterior and cheeky bite, it's a fantastic anthem for anyone who can handle their rock with a touch of trouble.
5. Sleeping Together - The Essentials
Sleeping Together's "The Essentials" is an anthemic indie rock track that seamlessly flips from introspection to sweeps. The song starts off with a hauntingly beautiful guitar riff, setting an introspective mood that invites the listener in. Raw lead vocals deliver lyrics which speak to matters of impulsive decisions, night-outs, and the feeling of being free! As the song builds further, dynamic percussion and layered instrumentation arrive on the scene to deliver a commanding soundscape that overflows with emotion. The chorus is the gem, and it boasts a celestial feeling of liberty. The song builds in a cathartic fashion that feels as though it is bringing the listener along for the weekend ride. The recording is clean but greatly in the spirit of the organic sound of the song, so the purity of the song is presented. "The Essentials" is a testament to the ability of Sleeping Together to write music that's so personal yet so universally appealing, so it's an album that's invaluable to hear. It’s the perfect get-go for your transition from your weekday into your weekend flow!
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.