Listening to Sons of Martha's new single, "Samurai Smile," feels a bit like finding a beautiful, slightly unnerving porcelain doll tucked away in a toolbox – all sharp edges and unexpected fragility. This North London outfit promised a harder sound, and they deliver; guitars chew and churn with a satisfying grit reminiscent of early '90s Manchester swagger, but filtered through a distinctly modern unease....

When Los Angeles's Love Ghost made their new song "Dopeman," they mixed the raw energy of alternative rock with the pounding beats of Afrobeat in a way that is both bold and surprising. Ghanaian musician Camidoh and DJ Switch Ghana, who is also from Ghana and has great turntable skills, work together on this international project. It has a rhythm that is both creative and...