Listening to the new DaLomonze EP, "Picture Day," is a study in deceptive portraiture. You’re told it’s about capturing a moment, a fixed smile for the world, documenting personal growth. The Cleveland artist’s vocals are certainly grand enough for a milestone, full-bodied and cinematic, with an orchestral sweep that feels both holy and expensive. But something is hiding in the gorgeous frame. It’s not...

Manchester neo-soul and hip hop artist SYLL dismantles our collective addiction to yesterday on his latest single, "Used to be". Nostalgia is a brilliant liar. We drape our memories in a protective, sentimental hue, stubbornly convinced that life was infinitely better before. SYLL, harnessing the golden-era DNA of influences like D'Angelo and Common, confronts this rosy retrospective head-on. https://open.spotify.com/album/5U1VXaRgCnXYf4x3ilmDkS?si=fMAAVeH_SZGmPYEfR1PwAQ The release offers two distinct sonic mirrors....