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....

Synthaurion pushes back against the cynicism of the modern era on the new atmospheric trance album, "Echoes Of Your Blessing." The independent electronic producer has mapped out a deeply emotional project, using the sprawling architecture of vocal and melodic dance music to explore spiritual resilience. While plenty of contemporary electronic music thrives in shadowy, underground isolation, Synthaurion aggressively chases the light. This is an...