If their half-parenthetical band name didn’t give it away, Weird Pennies (Of Raleigh) are slightly off-kilter. The synth lines that kick off “Permanently Brand New” add a quirky juxtaposition to the booming

With “Kill Me”, Fred Colombo conjures up a nocturnal and emotional synth-pop sound, with a stirring build-up and spoken-word verse/melodic chorus structure reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys. The vocal approach reminds of

Alexandra is an alt-rock artist from Australia who infuses both pop immediacy and full-throttle intensity in her sound, which is shown well on “Criminal” – where her furious, fast-paced delivery is nicely

“The End of the World With You” begins spaciously — with a stirring orchestra of sorts, and a swelling series of horns that reflect a rising sun (at least in my mind).

After moving from Russia to Toronto when he was 12, psych-rocker Galkin began diving headfirst into writing and producing music on his own. “Waiting in the Wings”, from his debut Chagrin Seasons,

“Night Marchers” was Rob Reinfurt’s introduction to avant-groove group Medeski, Martin and Wood, a project that has ultimately influenced Reinfurt’s approach to music as a songwriter in a profound way. Ten years

Beginning with loose percussion and swanky bluesy minimalism featuring occasional chimes and guitar twangs, “High” immediately shows itself as an atmospherically consuming success. Cali Blake’s range-flexing “hi-iii-iii-gh” hook is effective each time,