Listening to Sons of Martha's new single, "Samurai Smile," feels a bit like finding a beautiful, slightly unnerving porcelain doll tucked away in a toolbox – all sharp edges and unexpected fragility. This North London outfit promised a harder sound, and they deliver; guitars chew and churn with a satisfying grit reminiscent of early '90s Manchester swagger, but filtered through a distinctly modern unease....

There is a specific variety of artistic audacity required when Ferdinand Rennie approaches the microphone for "The Prayer". Most of us associate this David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager composition with massive duets two voices attempting to hold up the ceiling of a cathedral. Yet, Rennie has chosen to return to the track, stripping away the partner he had in his 2023 version to...