Loudgi is a young artist who began his career some years ago more or less in the underground. His stage name is verlan of the diminutive of his nickname, Gilou, plus a "d" to denote the English pronunciation of the name. He was therefore allowed to play debuts of musicians such as Manou Bolomik, Millénium at Morne Rouge, or even Georges Helyott at the performance...

Maverick Smith’s “We Make Fire, They Make Smoke” lands not with a thud, but with the distinct, satisfying crackle of something catching alight. It’s a title that carries the grit of the Ohio Valley in its consonants, a resolute statement from a band – Paige Bosic on commanding vocals and rhythm guitar, Sean Boynes sculpting soundscapes on guitar, Jim Courtney’s intricate drumming, Charlie Kovach’s...