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...

Eddie Cohn’s “Wheels Stop”: A Sonic Exploration of Growth and Letting Go Eddie Cohn's "Wheels Stop" is a moment to stop in a world that often seems to be moving too fast. If you want to think, reset, and maybe even kick a few figurative tires, this song is for you. The layered harmonies recall Alice in Chains' signature vocal approach while establishing their own distinct...