Listening to “Small Town Syndrome” by thinking silly is an exercise in delightful contradiction. Dylan Morrison’s project, shaped here by the production hand of collaborator Margot Taylor, builds a sleek, propulsive chassis of dark pop and minimal techno, only to house an engine of pure, grinding ache. It’s the sound of someone forcing a smile so wide their face hurts, a dance track for...

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...