Listening to the new DaLomonze EP, "Picture Day," is a study in deceptive portraiture. You’re told it’s about capturing a moment, a fixed smile for the world, documenting personal growth. The Cleveland artist’s vocals are certainly grand enough for a milestone, full-bodied and cinematic, with an orchestral sweep that feels both holy and expensive. But something is hiding in the gorgeous frame. It’s not...

Marie Chain and "Holy Water" come at a time when the lines between styles of music are becoming less natural. For more than ten years, the Berlin-based artist has been making what she calls "Global Soul," and her newest song shows why that term is so perfect. The track's origin story reads like something from a travel journal. Chain conceived the melody during a summer hike...