The first listen of Haus of Sound’s new single, “Mirage,” is like walking into a room where a beautifully ornate vase has just been shattered against a wall. There's a jagged, crystalline energy here, a collision of theatrical drama and raw, modern discontent. Evolving from their 2000s tribute roots, the Everett band has synthesized the best of that era’s angst—the coiled tension of early...

Aubryanna's vivacious personality and high-energy vocals are likely to make her latest single, "CoverGirl," a hit. The message that the tune conveys is one of empowerment; it dares to be honest and confident in the face of the pretense of perfection. The way Aubryanna sings about the human condition—the flaws and hardships we all endure, but also the triumphs of perseverance and acceptance of ourselves—has a...