What singer/songwriter Al Spx refers to as her “doom soul” is a sound that, had early gospel and blues styles come together in a contemporary setting, colliding freely and comfortably (with little spiritual chafing), might resemble the songs of Neuroplasticity.

When bands give a genre a much needed shot in the arm, they usually do so by borrowing from one band in particular who made said genre great.

Teenage Eric Love has just been transferred to an adult penitentiary. One long-time prisoner instantly lays down the law, brusquely and begrudgingly trying to show Eric the ropes and keep him out of trouble: Neville Love is Eric’s father, and tensions between the two men build as they navigate their rocky relationship while imprisoned on the same cellblock.

On first listen to Honeyblood‘s infectious self-titled debut, you’d never guess this Glasgow-based group was only a two-piece.

Coves are the U.K.-based project of singer/songwriter Beck Wood and producer John Ridgard. They recorded their debut album Soft Friday in a basement studio called Castle Grayskull, and the kitschy nostalgia must have been oozing off the walls.

James Yorkston appears to be growing old gracefully. While many a middle-aged man spends his days desperately clinging to an ever-evaporating youth, the unassuming Scottish songwriter is moving through the decades with dignity.

For a band hailing from South London, Happyness’ debut Weird Little Birthday is the sort of music perfect for hazy, morning-after walks down sun-drenched American streets.

The two civilizations in Patema Inverted are connected top-to-bottom, operating on polar opposite gravities. Neither world is aware of one another, until Patema, the young princess of the underground city, accidentally “falls” into the opposing world.

Kevin Martin finally follows up 2008’s apocalyptic London Zoo with more thumping end-times fare.