Sunny War, courtesy Joshua Black Wilkins.

This week we dive into an emotional musical rollercoaster to help relieve post-election blues. You’ve got euphoric pop by Ben Hazlewood, funky dance music by Flight Facilities and DRAMA; melancholic downtempo jazz by Out Of/Into, dark pop by Bay Area locals Decant, angsty rock by Superheaven and a protest piece from Sunny War that sums up the feelings of many.

Superheaven, “Long Gone” — Grinding guitar and distorted bass rev up the intro to this grungy post-rock tune, as the slightly lagging tempo creates depth. The pace and deadpan vocals give the song a ’90s feel that this band, from just north of Philadelphia, has been known for since coming together in 2008. It’s the first new music from the group since 2015. The band is currently touring with The Story So Far and will stop at the Masonic in San Francisco on Dec. 14.

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Ben Hazlewood, “Too Loud For Tokyo” — New Zealand LGBTQI+ artist of the year Ben Hazlewood returns with a danceable single sure to keep any party going. The singer-songwriter delivers a tune with an ’80s pop feel (which sounds like Aaron Bruno pre-Awolnation band, Under the Influence of Giants), amplified by layered synths, vocals and mid-tempo beat. Sassy and slick, Hazlewood’s vocals provide just the right amount of punch and nostalgic flair.

Sunny War featuring Steve Ignorant, “Walking Contradiction” — The woes of our current government system are examined in a self-described “anarcho-punk anthem” by Nashville’s Sunny War (Sydney Lyndella Ward). Featuring Steve Ignorant of ’80s punk band Crass, the lyrics are a critique of the dichotomies that come with modern day politics and life in a modern capitalist society. The  vocals are at times echoing and distant and at others relentlessly trudge forward. The arrangement is heavy on psychedelic rock, echoing the ’60s. The track is the first from the blues and Americana artist’s upcoming album, Armageddon in a Summer Dress, set for release on Feb. 21.

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Out Of/Into, “Gabaldon’s Glide” — This group started earlier this year as collective Blue Note Quintet in celebration of the namesake label’s 85th anniversary, and it’s morphed into something new. The quintet includes some of the best artists in jazz today: Joel Ross, Gerald Clayton, Kendrick Scott, Matt Brewer and Immanuel Wilkins. With debut album Motion I (out Dec. 6), the band is celebrating its rebirth with seven original pieces. “Gabaldon’s Glide” is Clayton’s; a classic piece of jazz driven by saxophone and interwoven with the tapestry of piano, upright bass, vibraphone and drums.

Sun June, “41 Dollars” — The calming sounds of Sun June’s mid-tempo melody feels like warm waves washing over you on a summer day. Laura Colwell’s soothing, breathy voice is both hauntingly beautiful and comforting at once. The melody and music accompanying her is a study in yacht rock. The song is the first from the Austin, Texas band since 2023 album Bad Dream Jaguar.

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Flight Facilities and DRAMA, “Dancing On My Own” — Aussie duo Flight Facilities linked up with Chicago friends DRAMA again for this fun, energetic disco-heavy dance track that lifts the spirits. The song has call and response chants, handclaps and phaser sound effects layered over a smooth four the floor beat. Known for its work with Kylie Minogue and Channel Tres, the duo continues down that path here.

Decant, “Shadow” — Bay Area group Decant represents with a hauntingly beautiful song. Starting off in a whisper, Lilie Bytheway-Hoy’s delivery is breathy and mesmerizing. The rest of the group, which includes Joey Verdian, Van Jackson-Weaver and Thelonius Quimby, envelop her vocals in a mesh of warm layers of slightly off-kilter synths. The rhythmic beat mimics a heartbeat. The result evokes feelings of sadness and regret in the sweetest way possible.

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Mel’s pick: I couldn’t help but relate to Sunny War’s study in contradictions. Music is the language that brings people together, and it’s an effective way to process feelings. This Sunny War piece is a sign of the times.