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....

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...