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First catching our ears with the creatively eclectic and atmospheric single “Kryptomarch” in December, Berlin-based artist Lump200 again struts a brilliantly unpredictable appeal with “Cex.” Featuring Els Vandeweyer on prepared vibraphone, “Cex” proves enjoyably unsettling with its flashing vocal samples, marimba-like trickling, and buzzing synth effects. Wordless vocal expressions and enveloping, spacey synth resonance casts ample intrigue to start. A thumping percussive escalation and murky textures round the first minute turn, as the trickling keys emerge with a wintry enigma. A gargling ambience kickstarts the final minute, where the creaky percussion and spacey synths converge for a final, stimulating atmospheric

Following the energetic rocker “Snow Crocs,” Virginia-based act Flemish in the North show their second single as embracing of a more contemplative, folk-minded sound. A narratively descriptive first half stirs amidst the understated guitar and crisp vocals, building into a soaring second half with enduring appeal. “Jonathan Ames” begins with an acoustical backing and lyrics reflecting a traversal through New York, through a “dive bar after dark,” and a special sort of connection. The “Brooklyn,” expansion enamors with the piano-laden glistening and percussive addition, kickstarting a more expansive second half. The literary-inspired setting/themes and ardent folk-driven escalation makes for another

Poignantly capturing the pain of a faltering friendship, “Someone Special” is a moving pop track from Brooklyn-based artist Jett Jenkins. Retro-minded guitar swipes and lush vocal contemplation builds into starry-eyed synths during the enamoring chorus, admitting “thought you were someone, someone special to me.” The build from the morose vocals and guitar reflections, into the dreamy synth tones, plays with a seamless cohesion. “There is not hatred, but rather growing apart and the pain that comes with that,” Jenkins says of the experience, wherein a friendship begins to fade. The “what I wish I had,” sequence also catches with the

Colourfully casting a new wave shadow, the dynamic duo BLED reemerges from the musical undergrowth with their latest single, “This Brutal Place.” Formerly known as DRAG, Bled is now gearing…