Ruthven (Sean Nelson), courtesy.

In this week’s edition, Ruthven, Johnnyswim and Tara Lily deliver powerful singles from their debut albums. Don Louis oozes country swagger, Maribou State returns with a club banger, Ilham claps back and Liana Flores reminds us of the important things.

Ruthven, “Thru The Wall” — Between the powerful falsettos of Sean Nelson (who performs as Ruthven), the synth-pop intro and well executed video, “Thru The Wall” is how you introduce a debut album. From the just-released Rough and Ready, the song gives a fun, fresh take on relationships. It also provides dual meanings to to the saying, “We can hear you through the walls.” Ruthven has said it’s one of the first songs he ever wrote. It’s soulful and intimate, and his vocal range is startlingly great.

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Maribou State and Gaidaa, “Bloom” — This one exudes nostalgic vibes and positive frequencies. The U.K. electronic duo of Chris Davids and Liam Ivory feature Sudanese Dutch singer Gaidaa, who delivers lucid repetitive vocals over a simple guitar strumming pattern and chopped beat. Lyrically it feels like a personal reminder to slow down, breathe and be in the moment. It’s off the duo’s third album, Hallucinating Love, set for a January release.

Don Louis and Sophia Scott, “She’s Trouble” — Don Louis’ raspy growl had me at the first listen. It’s deep, gritty and elevates the song to an easy 10/10. The Nashville country singer collaborated with label-mate Sophia Scott for this country spin to the Bonnie and Clyde story, opening with a strong choral intro and acoustic strumming. “My heart was beating out of my chest/ It seems I met my match,” they harmonize. I’m not a big country fan, but Don Louis has me thinking otherwise.

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Johnnyswim, “Monte Carlo” — “When there is so much on your plate/ And your mind’s all over the place/ I wanna hear it/ So I can clear it,” sings Abner Ramirez, who’s one half of Johnnyswim. Opening with heartfelt lyrics over folky acoustic strumming, “Monte Carlo” plays like poetry. From forthcoming album When The War Is Over, he and Amanda Sudano Ramirez got the song from friend Britten Newbill, who wrote it about unburdening and letting go. Thanks to the mellow flow and their soothing vocals, it’s cathartic and nostalgic at the same time.

Johnnyswim plays at the Regency Ballroom on March 29.

Ilham, “Games” — The intro, with its sustained, twinkling piano playing and Ilham’s soothing vocals, had me thinking that “Games” is a fun, chilled-out pop song. But it surprised me with its electric drill beat and biting lyrics. Now I’m ready to give all my exes a piece of my mind. Produced by one of my favourite artists, Fridayy, “Games” is a pop anthem about knowing your worth and standing on business. Ilham delivers sparkling vocals and an all-round coolness.

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Liana Flores, “Borrow mine” — “While I’m here, I’ll say, ‘Kid, you’re gonna be fine’/ If you need a place to rest, you can borrow mine,” Liana Flores sings. From the expanded edition of her debut album, Flowers of the soul, “Borrow mine” is a beautiful folk tune about the insignificance of time. With her reassuring voice, Flores reminds me that the most certain things in life are human relationships.

Tara Lily and Surya Sen, “Like The Ocean” — This song mysterious, untamed and secretive like angry waves during a storm. British Bengali artist Tara Lily pairs up with producer and rapper Surya Sen to deliver a fusion of trip-hop and alternative R&B that’s alluring and hypnotic. From her newly released album, Speak in The Dark, it’s is filled with surprises like the jazzy saxophone bleats at the end.

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Dumi’s pick: Ruthven’s vocal range is just stunning. Paired with the production of the song and amusing video, I made an easy pick. Then I listened to the rest of the album and can tell he’s an intentional artist who understands his voice and knows what to do with it.