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....

Priscilla Loya and Juwan Rates help fire up a house and garage cut that feels handmade for bodies that refuse to stay still. Press play and the room starts acting differently. 'In The Music' by Leopold Nunan does not creep in politely. It arrives with a pulse, a stare, and club-ready confidence that makes a person check for space to move. This is house music...