Kasbo, courtesy Olof Grind.

R&B from IAMTHELIVING, Latin pop from Loyal Lobos, rap-rock from Oxymorrons, a paranoia-inducing Kafka-esque tale by Bell X1, disco pop by Hot Freaks and electronic dance tune by Kasbo makes our weekly list of favorite songs.

IAMTHELIVING, “Can’t Be Replaced” — We start with British-Canadian IAMTHELIVING’s (Rian Peters) calming and velvety vocals. Paired with gentle acoustic guitar strumming, the song is slow and soulful. It’s about grieving a past relationship, but the lyrics suggest that the grief is more likely about Peters’ relationship with himself and music. “This regret is eating me away,” he sings. Given its deceptively simple structure, moments of textural depth via double-tracking make the song even more engaging.

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Loyal Lobos, “El Río” — Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Andrea Silva (Loyal Lobos) continues to entice listeners with her musical versatility. “El Río” brings a mellow version of both reggaeton and cumbia. Paired with Loyal Lobos’ intimate vocals, it complements the song’s subject matter of finding self-love and independence. The river cleans away the past for a fresh start, while the moon serves as a guide toward self love. It’s an exciting prelude to forthcoming EP LOBA Vol. 1 due Oct. 27.

Oxymorrons, “Look Alive” — NYC’s Oxymorrons empower listeners, too, with their characteristically high-energy sound on their new single. “Look Alive (Netic)” seamlessly blends distinct elements of hip-hop with rock in such an inventive way. I’m still wondering how a song so effortlessly maintains the essence of both genres. What’s more, the thought-provoking lyricism brings attention to itself as well, encouraging us to keep moving forward. I’m looking forward to their new album, MELANIN PUNK, out Oct. 20.

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Bell X1, “The Lobster” — Sometimes, it’s easier to escape and process hard times through happier-sounding music. Irish rock band Bell X1 has long been on our radar. Paul Noonan and co. continue to explore their art. “The Lobster,” from their most recent album but now paired with a disorientating new video (a short film, really), brings a dreamy quality, harnessing an electro-pop sound paired with a groovy beat. Bell X1 creates a whimsical and surreal space matching the song’s psychedelic theme as it references Jean Paul Sartre’s bad mescaline trip. As the song departs from reality, who knows what existential dread awaits?

Hot Freaks, “Together Above”  — With a particularly lighthearted sound, Minneapolis’ Hot Freaks return from a years-long hiatus. Through “Together Above,” the band brings a fast-paced and catchy melody. Bright instrumentation meets airy and echoing vocals. “There’s more to see if you come with me,” Leo Vondracek sings in a declaration of love. This optimistic beat is just one of several in their upcoming album, Hot Freaks Forever, coming Sept. 15.

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Kasbo, “The Way You Had Me” — Swedish electronic music producer and DJ Kasbo is creating original music again after a three-year hiatus. And his new one, “The Way You Had Me,” differs in that it’s consistently bright and optimistic. It maintains Kasbo’s quality production and emotional depth. Though the lyrics are somewhat melancholic, dealing with the aftermath of a breakup, it nicely contrasts the cleansing sound that’s routinely built up for a danceable soft EDM drop.

Sarah’s Pick: “The Way You Had Me” by Kasbo is a song that feels freeing and versatile. I imagine listening to it on a night out, at home for a motivational pick-me-up, or an a road trip. For me, the bubbling and excited energy it evokes is unmatched!