Jamestown Revival - “Young Man”

This folk rock duo, comprised of childhood friends Zach Chance and Jonathan Clay, has been making music for over a decade. For their latest album, the two took things in a slightly different direction by recording for the first time without electric guitars. The extra focus on songwriting harmony paid off in the title track “Young Man,” which was recorded with producer and fellow Texan Robert Ellis (marking yet another first for the band whose previous work was self-produced). The complete album is dropping Jan. 14 on Thirty Tigers.

Wynne and Christo - “CARROT CAKE”

Oregon hip-hop artist Sina Holwerda, stage name Wynne, released a new EP called “DO MY OWN STUNTS” last week. It’s a collaboration with producer Christo, whose work with artists like JID has turned heads. Having initially made a name for herself as a viral online sensation, Wynne has spent the past few years building a strong catalog of recordings underpinned by standouts like this melodic banger. Wynne’s laid back vocal swagger is perfectly accompanied here by hypnotic production that hits you with a deep bass punch to the soul.

The Dodos - “With A Guitar”

“With A Guitar” comes from the band’s recently released record “Grizzly Peak.” “Making this record was a way to get through a tough time, stave off negative feelings and stabilize my emotions, which is basically how I felt when I first started playing guitar as a teenager,” front man Meric Young recently explained. “The song ‘With A Guitar’ is a way of me trying to respond to that question, and just generally being grateful to an instrument that’s given me so much.” This rhythmic guitar ballad hits with a heavy drum beat and even introduces a sting instrumental chorus all built around Young’s quietly beautiful vocal performance.