Listening to the new DaLomonze EP, "Picture Day," is a study in deceptive portraiture. You’re told it’s about capturing a moment, a fixed smile for the world, documenting personal growth. The Cleveland artist’s vocals are certainly grand enough for a milestone, full-bodied and cinematic, with an orchestral sweep that feels both holy and expensive. But something is hiding in the gorgeous frame. It’s not...

Bad Valentines offer up their new EP, "Memory Tattoos," and these four songs arrived like a bundle of stubbornly persistent wildflowers pushing through cracked pavement. This Helsinki quintet, veterans of the Finnish indie scene, isn't peddling easy comforts; they’re dragging the raw, beautiful mess of existence into the flickering neon glow of their glam-punk-pop leanings. https://open.spotify.com/album/225MfCZIbTNTA5m9tOollK?si=CeZ8sF8qTwWuZ1dLciMy-g The EP itself feels like being buttonholed by someone with...