LITM Rock picks great tunes brought to you by DAIONI, Marco Ragozza, Zaco, Freekstar and Milly Thimaras
DAIONI - You & I
DAIONI’s "You & I" is a shimmering indie pop track that feels like a warm hug wrapped in melody. With its breezy acoustic guitar riff and laid-back rhythm, the song evokes a sense of effortless intimacy. DAIONI’s smooth, honeyed vocals carry lyrics that paint a picture of connection, love, and the small, tender moments that make relationships magical. It's lean but efficient production with sufficient space for the goodness of the song's message to seep through. Subtle accompaniment on synth is otherworldly but never takes over the natural tone. Perfect for lazy afternoon strolls or for these slow dances under twinkling fairy lights, "You & I" is too sweet, and too sentimental—a song that leaves you light up, and head over heels with life.
2. Marco Ragozza - What Comes After
Marco Ragozza's "What Comes After" is stunning contemporary classical music. Long piano lyrics open the song and create a reflective atmosphere, followed by a crescendo orchestra that leaves the listener weeping. Ragozza's music is cinematic and wordless-like, like it tells a story—of longing, perseverance, and the passing of time. The duality of light and darkness in this song is a metaphor for life's uncertainties, with breakdowns that resemble epiphanies and gentle interludes that invite introspection. It's a record that must be felt, not listened to, so it's perfect for late nights or quiet time. "What Comes After" is a lesson in musical emotional narrative.
3. Zaco - Princess
"Princess" from Zaco is a provocative R&B re-do of a suave voice and urbane, new-school sound. The song is a thuggish amalgam of boomin' bass, crisp percussion, and delay-soaked synths that has the sheen of a tacky but excessive decor. Zaco's singing drifts comfortably on top of the song, moaning eulogies about love and passion with a metered elegance. The chorus is catchy but never claustrophobic, treading nicely over emotional-instrumental equities. Harmonies and vocal runs are introduced with a subtle richness, and the bridge introduces a darker, more reflective mood before swinging back to the catch main hook. "Princess" is the sort of song that feels like the late-night gossip in song form—intimate, silky, and indelible.
4. Freekstar - Bulletproof
Freekstar's "Bulletproof" is a hooky pop-rock anthem with attitude. The thumping drums and the shrieking guitar chords provide the backdrop to a song that bellows confidence and empowerment. Freekstar's melodic yet high-energy voice yells out uplifting affirmations of endurance during the period of trial and emerging wiser. The chorus is fueled by adrenaline and has a chanted tone one cannot help but sing along. There’s a rawness to the production that amplifies the track’s rebellious spirit, while a soaring guitar solo midway adds an extra dose of rock-and-roll swagger. Whether you’re gearing up for a challenge or just need a motivational boost, "Bulletproof" is your ultimate soundtrack for standing tall and staying unbreakable. Milly Thimaras – "Bullets"
5. Milly Thimaras - Bullets
Milly Thimaras’ "Bullets" is a haunting dark pop masterpiece that hits with precision and power. Backed by the thudding bassline and ambient synths, the song creates a dark, filmic environment surrounding Thimaras' commanding vocals. Her heavenly-but-tough vocals glide along a waltz of fragility and strength as she vocalizes lines of staying alive, betrayal, and surviving. The production of the song is sleek but primal with detonating drums and hauntingly atmospheric vocal layering which are amplified to a maximum emotional impact. The hook is eerily memorable, a testament to the beauty of suffering and the power of struggle. "Bullets" isn't a song—it's a cry of war for anyone who has ever fought their demons and come out on top.
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