Listening to Amara Fe’s debut album, "Reborn", is a peculiar act of unearthing. You expect a phoenix from the flames, a cannon-blast of arrival. Instead, you get something far more interesting: the sound of a locked room being patiently, methodically picked from the inside. https://open.spotify.com/album/7zIfmVK9TgMY8u2Pe38w6l?si=kMej8MhJS2m-kUlmpDntpw This isn't the clamor of a wrecking ball tearing down old walls for attention. It’s the quiet, assured scent of old...

Cat Mayel's "FREE" arrived, not on a silver platter, but more like a rogue pigeon delivering a very important message – a crumpled napkin with profound scribbles. This Nigerian producer, composer, arranger, and all-around sonic sorceress has served up a single dose of alternative neo-soul that feels… well, free. As free as a shopping cart with a wonky wheel, anyway. It goes where it...