Listening to Amara Fe’s new album, "SHIFT," is a bit like finding a perfectly preserved suit of medieval armor that’s been custom-tailored by a high-fashion house. It is formidable, gleaming, and entirely without apology. Across the sprawling landscape of its 24 tracks, Fe builds a monument to self-belief so solid it could probably withstand a siege. There is no room for doubt in this...

Chicago native Luke Frees plays guitar, piano, and bass, among other instruments, and writes original songs. Beginning as a solo artist in Chicago, Luke eventually enrolled in Boston's renowned Berklee College of Music to study composition. After graduating from Berklee, Luke moved back to Chicago and teamed up with fellow musician Gary to make music that would leave an indelible mark on listeners. Luke was a part...