Liloe Rix, a singer-songwriter-composer originally from Utrecht, the Netherlands, is an entrancing performer who wins over listeners with the honesty and sincerity of her songs. Her songs, which include a distinctive blend of gritty edge and gentle acoustic overtones, provide a window into her creative process and unique vision. In her own bold way, she delves into the fears, doubts, and emotional ups and downs of...

Listening to “Small Town Syndrome” by thinking silly is an exercise in delightful contradiction. Dylan Morrison’s project, shaped here by the production hand of collaborator Margot Taylor, builds a sleek, propulsive chassis of dark pop and minimal techno, only to house an engine of pure, grinding ache. It’s the sound of someone forcing a smile so wide their face hurts, a dance track for...