Matt Nation drops "April’s Fool," and I am instantly struck by the sheer exhaustion of loving a hologram. The Brooklyn-born, LA-based artist has a knack for dissolving the borders between alt-pop, R&B, and nu-disco, but here, he channels a soul-stirring pop-punk urgency through a laid-back, indie-pop filter. https://open.spotify.com/track/7rPHpg1lXMiQFFuuIX9ZT5 It is a strange, brilliant contrast. A melancholic chord loop cycles endlessly, creating a flowing foundation for Nation's...

This track 'Blue Honey' hits with the bracing impact of a slushy projectile hurled directly at your jaw. From the very first chord, Conor Maradona grabs your attention and refuses to let go, establishing an immediate, undeniable vibe. It is the sound of someone who has stopped trying to impress the cool kids and decided to just throw a party for the misfits instead. You...