This track 'Blue Honey' hits with the bracing impact of a slushy projectile hurled directly at your jaw. From the very first chord, Conor Maradona grabs your attention and refuses to let go, establishing an immediate, undeniable vibe. It is the sound of someone who has stopped trying to impress the cool kids and decided to just throw a party for the misfits instead. You...

The orchestral opening stops a listener’s scroll. Roger K’s “Please Don’t Put It on Me,” arrives as cinematic dark pop with a real ache at its centre. The independent Australian singer, songwriter and producer gives adult force to a child’s plea, placing inner-child pressure, fear and self-worth against trap and drill-informed drums. It is direct, dark and built for the moment when somebody finally says the...