Flavor Wave’s single, “The Optimist,” arrived less like a declaration and more like someone tentatively drawing back a dusty curtain on a grey afternoon. From West Chester, PA, these five lifelong friends – Kyle Loedel (vocals, lyrics), Matthew Stretch (lead guitar), Patrick Blair (rhythm guitar), Noah Montgomery (bass), and Joshua Speaker (performer/drums) – typically tread alternative rock paths nodding to influences like The Strokes....

Alright, let's talk about "I'll Never Find Another You" by Partners In Crime. These fellas from Toronto, Colin Whiteford (guitar and vocals), Doug Pegg (drums and vocals), Gene Falbo (bass guitar), and Terry Gadsden on keyboards, apparently go way back to grade school in Scarborough. I've often wondered if my old desk buddy, Barry, is making killer tunes these days – probably not, Barry’s...