Flavor Wave’s single, “The Optimist,” arrived less like a declaration and more like someone tentatively drawing back a dusty curtain on a grey afternoon. From West Chester, PA, these five lifelong friends – Kyle Loedel (vocals, lyrics), Matthew Stretch (lead guitar), Patrick Blair (rhythm guitar), Noah Montgomery (bass), and Joshua Speaker (performer/drums) – typically tread alternative rock paths nodding to influences like The Strokes....

Nyinée, a Nigerian singer on the rise, just released her new song called “Tolotolo.” A song about a sweet, loving, and clearly romantic kind of love. The song comes off as a tune of a love relationship, with soft touches, longing looks, and lighthearted teasing. The joyful and culturally rich word "Tolotolo" fits the mood of the song perfectly. In many social situations in Nigeria, people...