There’s a peculiar, soil-and-metal chill to Rubanq’s new single, "Bury Me Deep." From the first few sparse piano keys, you’re not so much listening to a song as you are being lowered into its world—a quiet, frostbitten landscape where the roads are empty and the sun is just a rumor. The Swedish songwriter operates in that stark territory between grunge’s raw-nerve honesty and Americana’s...

Some tracks do not ask for your attention; they kick the door off the hinges and drag you along for the ride. "Sora" hits the ear with zero hesitation, dropping you straight into the middle of a high speed pursuit. There is no slow build, no gentle introduction, and absolutely no time to catch your breath. Itssmill captures the exact feeling of running late for something...