Ben Ross: Wool

Lyrically powerful, at times vocally haunting, and altogether beautiful, “Wool” by LA-based singer Ben Ross further affirms the emerging artist’s talents. Nothing more than voice (sometimes layered) and piano, the track gently envelops listeners, rising and falling along the emotional spectrum. It’s a love song, yes, but an uncommon one—and worth a listen.

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith: When I Try, I’m Full

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith’s go-to instrument, besides her voice, is the analog Buchla Music Easel (first designed in 1973). Hear some of the infinite permutations she coaxes out of the volatile synthesizer in “When I Try, I’m Full,” a stirring electronic music track also musing on the subject matter of endless possibilities. The accompanying hand-drawn animation reflects the journey of a gradually evolving cellular organism. Be …

Cairobi: Lupo

London-based psych quartet Cairobi’s woozy song “Lupo” has received an equally fun music video treatment. Artist and illustrator Sebaldo provides surreal animation—lots of two-headed and four-eyed creatures abound—to illustrate the song’s themes of “change,” “transformation,” “becoming something else”—all of which reminds us of more carefree, younger times where our world made sense in colored markers.