Dr. Cryme has not lowered his standards in any way, despite the fact that his Kwasi EP from the previous year was met with a great deal of praise from critics and fans alike. He has had a fruitful start to the new year, highlighted by the debut of the music video for the song "Too Known" that he wrote and performed. The fourth track on...

Maverick Smith’s “We Make Fire, They Make Smoke” lands not with a thud, but with the distinct, satisfying crackle of something catching alight. It’s a title that carries the grit of the Ohio Valley in its consonants, a resolute statement from a band – Paige Bosic on commanding vocals and rhythm guitar, Sean Boynes sculpting soundscapes on guitar, Jim Courtney’s intricate drumming, Charlie Kovach’s...