Independent Oxford singer-songwriter Carmen Rose Davidson confronts the wreckage of generational addiction on her agonizing new single, "Whiskey & Sin." Released deliberately to coincide with Alcohol Awareness Week, the track takes a fascinating detour from her typical blues grit and country soul, submerging listeners entirely into the haunting depths of cinematic dark pop. I typically flinch when music tries to process raw childhood trauma...

Joe Rian has made a single for the moment the work shirt comes off and the car stereo goes up. “Think Yer In Luv,” is presented as an up-tempo, rock-and-roll-leaning blues track and the first release from his 2 October album of the same name. It is the promise of motion, companionship and a little room to breathe after a long week. Rian made the accompanying...