Jacob Barrett completely dismantles the illusion of composure on his stunning new single, "Here I Go Again." At first blush, the San Francisco multi-instrumentalist sets up a relatively subdued, rhythmic bounce. It feels like measured, perfectly pleasant indie pop. https://open.spotify.com/track/4YHQAeYRcroBAogGz5iGFY?si=da5f0ca325ad4cc4 But that steady facade is incredibly fragile. The lyrics dive headfirst into the messy, alienating reality of living with a chronic illness. Barrett captures the specific...

The Chilean musician Stefan Elbl's eighth album 'Chungungo' hits with sharp riffs, Spanish-language urgency, and a fearless sense of movement between Quilpué and San Francisco. Some albums walk in politely. 'Chungungo' kicks the amp, fixes the cable, and starts moving before the room has settled. Stefan Elbl's eighth studio album comes loaded with guitars that bite, basslines that march like they have rent due, and...