Big Boss Vette, courtesy.

This week we feature the bars of Big Boss Vette, the harmonized and vocoded vocals of Arctic Lake, the heavy metal throwback of Annihilator, the soft acoustics of Sun June, garage-burnout of Interesting Hobbies Club and funk-rock of White Lies.

Big Boss Vette, “Heavy” — You’d be at a loss if you’re counting St. Louis rapper Big Boss Vette out. On “Heavy,” a piano- and 808-led drill beat goes as hard as this Midwest hard-hitter. She explores her struggles coming up with personal loss and tragedy, and how it led to her making new moves and career breakthroughs. She’s gunning for the top and won’t stop until everyone knows who’s rocking the block.

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Arctic Lake, “Breathe” — The wistful singing of Emma Foster accentuates her longing and desire to reach her lover, who is closed off, unwilling to reveal their true self or feelings. Talk about a cold and distant relationship. The light, ambient backing piano chords of London band Arctic Lake pair seamlessly with Foster’s harmonized natural and vocoded vocals. This is the kind of song perfect for sulking to on those lonesome nights where you wonder where it all went wrong.

Annihilator featuring Dave Lombardo and Stu Block, “Romeo Delight” — Looking to thrash your head to the kind of hard-rocking heavy metal music of the ’70s and ’80s? Well, Annihilator has you covered with this cover of the Van Halen classic, taking listeners on a wild ride of whiplash-inducing guitar riffs and wailing vocals. With Mr. Bungle and ex-Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo and Stu Block, they add an abrasiveness to the track that hits just right for chaotic times in which we find ourselves.

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Sun June, “Reminded” — The rocking snare and light acoustic strumming of this soft, indie rock number evoke the pleasant feelings of remembering an old flame. Sun June basks in the memory of emotional intimacy, followed with vocalist Laura Colwell asking, “Did I make it hurt/ Did I make it hard.” Whether she’s asking about the beginning or the ending of the relationship, one thing is for certain, the tenderness stands out like the stars and green eyes she sings about on this tune by Austin band Sun June.

Interesting Hobbies Club, “Wednesday” — The distorted guitars of this garage rock number open flowing with a playful carefree nature before transitioning to a light skipping melody. But don’t let the carefree instrumental mislead you, this song is about a burnout unable to bring himself to do much of anything. We follow this guy as he can barely bring himself to get out of the shower as he watches day after day slip by.

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White Lies, “Am I Really Going To Die” — Still feeling nostalgic? Perhaps White Lies can scratch that itch with this funk-infused alternative number reminiscent of 2000s acts like Finger Eleven. Lead singer Harry McVeigh airs his frustration with having to meet people’s expectations of seeking approval. He likens it to a sort of social conditioning that limits creative output, and frankly I think thats something everyone can kind of get behind.

Tim’s pick: What can I say, everyone loves an underdog story. Big Boss Vette isn’t afraid to show her scars as an indicator of her tenacity, willpower and ambition to accomplish her goals. Her character is informed by both her tragedies and her successes, rather than being outright defined by them. “Heavy” is a motivating song that speaks to carrying on with the hope of better days eventually coming. It’s not resigned to loss.

Follow editor Tim Hoffman at Twitter.com/hipsterp0tamus.