Ava Valianti represents something increasingly rare in contemporary music: genuine precocity without artifice. This Massachusetts artist, who is only fifteen years old, handles general themes with a level of emotional depth that is shocking. She shows that youth can bring out the best in complicated human experiences, rather than hiding them. "Distant," her sixth single, functions as a sonic archaeology of friendship's dissolution. The track excavates layers...

Night Wolf, collaborating with The Fods have dropped "Kickback", and it is a masterclass in holding two wildly opposing truths in your hands at once. The transatlantic indie punk collective Neil "Birch" Birchall, Alan Winn providing backing, Chris "EZ" Ranson, Paul "Ol" Collins, and Rob Critchley drastically shifts away from their usual territory. By teaming with UK-based producer Night Wolf, whose cinematic sound design...