Flavor Wave’s single, “The Optimist,” arrived less like a declaration and more like someone tentatively drawing back a dusty curtain on a grey afternoon. From West Chester, PA, these five lifelong friends – Kyle Loedel (vocals, lyrics), Matthew Stretch (lead guitar), Patrick Blair (rhythm guitar), Noah Montgomery (bass), and Joshua Speaker (performer/drums) – typically tread alternative rock paths nodding to influences like The Strokes....

A year after the release of his first song, "Change," Chris B., also known as Villeman, is still keeping a low profile. But it has nothing to do with the caliber of his music in any way, shape, or form. The fantastic radio songs of the 1990s that we all hold dearest in our memories have impacted the blend of pop, folk, and grunge. The use...