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...

Carmen Rose Davidson wrings absolute conviction out of every vocal run on "Make Sure," the cinematic powerhouse of a single from her debut album, "Sincerely Yours". https://open.spotify.com/track/2iD9bIRUKgdmCOvWRlgnYP?si=3495dcc787774801 The UK-based vocalist has already built a fierce reputation for high-energy live performances that peel the paint off the walls. Here, she funnels that massive neo-soul gravity into an act of supreme caution. You can sense the stylistic shadows...