The first listen of Haus of Sound’s new single, “Mirage,” is like walking into a room where a beautifully ornate vase has just been shattered against a wall. There's a jagged, crystalline energy here, a collision of theatrical drama and raw, modern discontent. Evolving from their 2000s tribute roots, the Everett band has synthesized the best of that era’s angst—the coiled tension of early...

Solitary Friends is a Los Angeles dark pop band composed of three individually outstanding musicians, including songwriter and lyricist Ken Lamere, who also plays guitar for the band. Nick Liberatore, the band's fantastic drummer who has previously been on places like Comedy Central, and Michelle McGregor, the leader of Solitary Friends, an MFA acting graduate, have experience in numerous bands around Los Angeles. Solitary...