I saw a pigeon wearing a tiny top hat yesterday. It has absolutely nothing to do with Rich Allen's new single, "No Pinks", but, honestly, what does? The song unravels like a worn photograph, the edges blurry with regret, a silent conversation shouted in the spaces between plucked guitar strings. Allen, known around Tampa for his poignant songwriting, digs deep, like a fossil hunter...

You can tell by their demeanor and tone that they are coming from a sorrowful background. It's plain to see that this is not a pleasant place under any circumstances. The new single "Abyss" from Apollod deals with themes like loneliness, alienation, and complex love. Their voices are like an ensemble of emotions, and the production is dark and sad; it's enough to leave music fans...