Esther Rose, Photo: Char Klein.

This week’s lineup features the swirling psychedelia of The American Dawn, Anika’s sharp post-punk, Mo Lowda & the Humble’s folk-rock grooves, Gino Vannelli’s soulful pop, Vundabar’s gritty rock and the heartfelt folk of Esther Rose.

The American Dawn, “On The Edge” — A slithering beat pulls you in. The guitar chimes in, followed by a raspy, whispered voice reminiscent of early Suicide or Iggy Pop’s quieter moments. “I’m alive, and I’m living on the edge,” the musician murmurs over shadowy drum grooves.

The song slowly unfurls into a smoky, crooning guitar solo before fading into rainfall and distant thunder, washing everything away. The song is gritty, sexy and drenched in atmosphere. From what I’ve been able to piece together, this is only the second song released by The American Dawn. I can’t wait to hear more.

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Anika, “Hearsay” — Annika Henderson, known simply as Anika, delivers her deadpan vocals with precision and distance. Her Karen-O-like drawl glides over driving, piercing guitar lines and minimalist chord progressions. The track is urgent, raw and thrashing, reminiscent of early PJ Harvey.

From her upcoming album, Abyss (out April 4 on Sacred Bones), “Hearsay” explores media manipulation and societal divisions. “And you’re making up stories to push your narrative/ Parasites feeding off the blood of the public,” she declares. It’s a biting critique with a pulse-pounding beat that feels uncomfortably relevant.

Mo Lowda & the Humble, “Canary” — A lively, descending intro sets the stage for this new track by Philly band Mo Lowda & the Humble. I hear a bit of Mumford-style folk rock with a splash of jangle rock. Written on a fan-gifted canary yellow Fender Telecaster, the track has a carefree yet grounded energy. Surf-pop-inspired riffs give it a familiar but fresh feel, perfect for fans of alt-folk with a summery edge. The splashy animated video captures the vibe perfectly.

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Gino Vannelli, “No Where to Go But Up” — Recalling the soul of Stevie Wonder and the polish of Michael Bublé, Gino Vannelli delivers an uplifting anthem on his new song. “When the walls are closing in and the world comes to a stop/ Love is all you got/ Nowhere to go but up,” he sings. The harmonica is a surprising highlight, layered over feel-good chords on the keys and groovy guitar line.

It’s bombastic but smooth, with Vannelli’s voice effortlessly soaring through this rich blend of pop, soul and jazz. When the Canadian rocker, who had his biggest hits in the ’70s and ’80s, sings, “Up is your only friend,” it lands like a warm reminder to keep moving forward. This single is from his latest album, The Life I Got (To My Most Beloved).

Vundabar, “I Need You” — Fuzzed-out and bass-driven, “I Need You” is post-punk with a shoegaze twist. Boston trio Vundabar builds layers of shimmering jangle-pop and grungy scuzz. A surprise shouted “Congratulations” at the end kicks the energy up a notch, while the outro feels softer and more intimate, closing the track with a personal touch. It’s an introspective song that sounds like it’s been around a long longer than it has. It’s off the band’s forthcoming album, Surgery and Pleasure, out March 7 on Loma Vista.

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Esther Rose, “New Bad” — New Orleans musician and songwriter Esther Rose is a master of small, poignant moments. “I’ve been here before/ Perfect home/ Perfect storm,” she sings with a wistful clarity, her voice steady but haunted.

In a tightly constructed and endlessly catchy chorus, she reminders listeners that she’s complicated (“I’m not bad/ I’m not good”). Part grunge, part shoegaze and full of charm, “New Bad” hooks you with its layered melodies and interesting flourishes. Friends join in at one point, giving it a communal, front porch jam feel. She’ll perform on Thursday at 4 Star Theater in San Francisco, and there show is already sold out.

Sery’s Pick: I’ve memorized all the lyrics to Esther Rose’s “New Bad,” and the video is absolutely fantastic.