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....

The headline accurately describes the song: the passion and conviction with which they sing each lyric is riveting. The American rap trio Daclikk has just released a new song called "Motion," which seeks to put a fresh spin on things while staying true to the genre. The trio also picked a deep and groundbreaking track to aid in their ascent, one whose wordplay and smart metaphors...