Maverick Smith’s “We Make Fire, They Make Smoke” lands not with a thud, but with the distinct, satisfying crackle of something catching alight. It’s a title that carries the grit of the Ohio Valley in its consonants, a resolute statement from a band – Paige Bosic on commanding vocals and rhythm guitar, Sean Boynes sculpting soundscapes on guitar, Jim Courtney’s intricate drumming, Charlie Kovach’s...

Today, Josh Hicks and "Eyes On You" come at a time when truthfulness in music seems to be getting harder to find. With this single, the Welsh singer-songwriter has made something truly moving, one that feels both close and wide. It is been three years since Hicks last worked with his long-time partner ShatterJack, and this change in tone is very interesting. Teaming up with rising producer...