Flavor Wave’s single, “The Optimist,” arrived less like a declaration and more like someone tentatively drawing back a dusty curtain on a grey afternoon. From West Chester, PA, these five lifelong friends – Kyle Loedel (vocals, lyrics), Matthew Stretch (lead guitar), Patrick Blair (rhythm guitar), Noah Montgomery (bass), and Joshua Speaker (performer/drums) – typically tread alternative rock paths nodding to influences like The Strokes....

In the vast auditory expanse that is the world of music, every once in a while, a collaboration will arise that will serve to remind us of the unpredictability of the beauty that may occur when different pathways converge. Enter British music producer Pyrosion, whose name has long been connected with musical expertise, and his newest tune, which includes Smhylie, who is known for her...