Listening to Amara Fe’s new album, "SHIFT," is a bit like finding a perfectly preserved suit of medieval armor that’s been custom-tailored by a high-fashion house. It is formidable, gleaming, and entirely without apology. Across the sprawling landscape of its 24 tracks, Fe builds a monument to self-belief so solid it could probably withstand a siege. There is no room for doubt in this...

Because of the profound impact that the music has, it is clear that it was created with a significant amount of emotional attachment by the artist. This becomes more apparent with each passing second. Because Karen Denieffe (O'Neill)'s vocals are so genuine and unadulterated, Paul Hickey made the best decision possible when he recruited her to work on this song. The new song "Lay Down" creates...