With this song, American rapper Frank Black takes a more thoughtful and aware style, rapping about topics that many people from all backgrounds may connect to. The new song "Peaks and Valleys" demonstrates his true interest in conscious matters, and his ability to use his words to highlight critical societal and artistic concerns distinguishes him as an artist with a mission. His songwriting is both interesting...

AriSawkaDoria. The name alone sounds like an incantation, a summoning of something… interesting. This trio—KJ Sawka, he of Pendulum and Destroid percussive prowess, Joe Doria, finger-dancing on the Hammond B3, and Ari Joshua, weaving guitar spells, it made no sense and perfect sense on paper. Their latest offering? A single, "Naima." Coltrane's "Naima." Bold. Did someone order a plate of unexpected sonic delights? Because...