Lola Young, courtesy Charlotte Patmore.

This week we explore how country western influences are reflected in pop and rock with entries from Jessika and the Ruen Brothers. We deal with the pain of being a third wheel in a relationship with Lola Young. New wave meshes with EDM in a throwback offering from Amtrac, while James Hersey brings in the retro ’80s-feel of punkish-pop in a track reminiscent of The Police. Surf Mesa rounds out this week’s picks with a fresh, breezy take on dance music.

Jessika, “Her” — Hailing from Birmingham, U.K., Jessika is making a splash with her debut single bringing in a country western cadence to the track. It’s reflective of the time the New-York-based singer-songwriter spent in Nashville while writing her debut album. You can hear the influence of Stevie Nicks and Pat Benatar in her powerful vocals and the way the backing vocal harmonies blend together. After hearing her track, this new artist leaves much anticipation for what else she has in store.

Ruen Brothers, “The Fear” – Scunthorpe, England alt-rock band Ruen Brothers brings us further into the country world with its self-proclaimed “Western noir” version of pop with their latest single. The ageless track could have easily been an offering from “The Man in Black” himself, Johnny Cash. The latest single from the real-life brothers, Rupert and Henry Stansall, has subject matter that’s poignant and engaging, covering “the fear” of losing one’s romantic partner and the loneliness and desolation that awaits on the other side. The track is the first single from their next album, Ten Paces, due out June 2.

Lola Young, “Annabel’s House (From the Train)” — Also hailing from the U.K., Lola Young has the vocal chops hewn from hours spent singing in dimly lit cafes and piano bars. She developed her songwriting skills over years. She’s being doing it since she was 11. On this track, you can hear Young’s hard-hitting lyrics from the first verse. The realism is relatable and the soulfulness of her raspy vocal delivery is compelling. Young’s new project, My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely, drops May 26.

Amtrac with Elderbrook, “I’ll Be Around” — A constant driving beat paired with snappy kick drum and a relentless keyboard loop are the sonic backbone of the latest EDM effort from Amtrac. Add in the jazzy baritone vocals from English singer and producer Elderbrook, the Kentucky-born producer and musician born Caleb Cornett brings a bit of jazziness to the dance track with wild rhythms and a smooth lo-fi bass beat. Amtrac’s third album, Extra Time, will be released Feb. 3.

James Hersey, “Right Where I Am” — Known for bedroom pop, James Hersey steps onto the stage with this new track, featuring his first foray into recording with studio musicians. The resulting project is a bright, fun and fast-paced throwback to ’80s reggae-infused pop acts like The Police. With a steady rock beat and catchy guitar riff, Hersey’s vocals pair perfectly with the upbeat ditty. The song is the second single from his next album, due out later this year.

Surf Mesa featuring Selah Sol), “City of Love” — The sounds of summer emerge from Surf Mesa’s upbeat dance track, featuring vocals from Selah Sol. The 22-year old Seattle-born, Los-Angeles-based artist pairs a snappy beat with synth chords to create a warm and effervescent dopamine-inducing track.

Mel’s pick: Lola Young’s entry was compelling and her vocals on “Annabel’s House (From the Train)” were equally heart-wrenching and beautiful. This young singer has quite a career in store and as the audience, we can anticipate many good things to come from her in the future.

Follow Mel Bowman at Twitter.com/melmichel.