Listening to Sons of Martha's new single, "Samurai Smile," feels a bit like finding a beautiful, slightly unnerving porcelain doll tucked away in a toolbox – all sharp edges and unexpected fragility. This North London outfit promised a harder sound, and they deliver; guitars chew and churn with a satisfying grit reminiscent of early '90s Manchester swagger, but filtered through a distinctly modern unease....

Right then, let’s talk about Sean Kennedy and his latest single, "Insane." It arrived, not so much announced, as simply appearing in the sonic landscape, like finding a misplaced chess piece on a park bench. Kennedy, who’s apparently been putting pen to paper since he was ten (good lord, what angst were you channeling at ten?), crafts this slice of indie pop that digs...