I don’t know who the people behind OpCritical actually are, but their furious debut single "Not My America" hits with the blinding, aggressive clarity of a panic attack on a collapsing bridge. They’ve intentionally kept their identities hidden, claiming the members don't matter, only the message. And that message is absolutely dripping with exhaustion. https://open.spotify.com/album/3oSp8znP2ZplaOlGWAd8XR?si=47c49b602c7c4680 The track is a blistering, skate-punk barrage. Fast-paced, heavily distorted sonic...

Cat Mayel's "FREE" arrived, not on a silver platter, but more like a rogue pigeon delivering a very important message – a crumpled napkin with profound scribbles. This Nigerian producer, composer, arranger, and all-around sonic sorceress has served up a single dose of alternative neo-soul that feels… well, free. As free as a shopping cart with a wonky wheel, anyway. It goes where it...