Flavor Wave’s single, “The Optimist,” arrived less like a declaration and more like someone tentatively drawing back a dusty curtain on a grey afternoon. From West Chester, PA, these five lifelong friends – Kyle Loedel (vocals, lyrics), Matthew Stretch (lead guitar), Patrick Blair (rhythm guitar), Noah Montgomery (bass), and Joshua Speaker (performer/drums) – typically tread alternative rock paths nodding to influences like The Strokes....

You can tell by their demeanor and tone that they are coming from a sorrowful background. It's plain to see that this is not a pleasant place under any circumstances. The new single "Abyss" from Apollod deals with themes like loneliness, alienation, and complex love. Their voices are like an ensemble of emotions, and the production is dark and sad; it's enough to leave music fans...