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....

When the Australian band Evol Walks stripped down this version of "Sleeping with a Ghost," they bravely went where no one had gone before. The ominous words and heavy music in the song are well known. The song's version from a year ago is interesting, and it gives us a sneak peek at the band's much-anticipated EP. Evol Walks is known for its raw energy and...