Fiona Amaka’s new single, “Cowards and Shadows,” doesn’t kick down the door; it slips the lock and vanishes into the night, leaving the chain on. There’s a particular London cool to this departure, a swagger in its disappearing act. The track's lauded Bowie-esque posture is immediately apparent, thanks in no small part to Andy Zanini's sharp, stalking guitar work. It’s less a gentle fade...

Big O, an American hip hop producer, recording and mixing engineer, and DJ, has dished out this new album he calls “When It’s Not Said, But Done.” This album is a dedication to the art of starting over. It shows the artist's subtle choice to try out new sounds and break old habits. He wants to make something real, without having to make assurances or statements,...