Khamari, courtesy Shamaal Bloodman.

We have a slew of first-timers this week as we touch on a variety of different genres. Dance is on the menu with Sophie and the Giants, Franc Moody and Ebi Soda. Neo-soul continues to bring new talent with Khamari, as well as the U.K.’s Ríoghnach Conolly and Honeyfeet. Finally, The XCerts and Rival Sons showcase different flavors of rock.

Sophie and the Giants featuring MEARSY, “DNA” — Aptly titled, this funky and fast-paced dance tune has an irresistible beat that ingrains itself into your DNA. Sophie Scott takes control of the beat with her strong singing. Her alto voice, simultaneously bright and sultry, is matched with dreamy loops and breathy breaks and echo effects. She masterfully winds in between the bass drops characteristic of dubstep. Bassist Antonia Pooles, guitarist Toby Holmes and drummer Chris Hill round out the Sheffield, U.K. pop group, which is taking another foray into dance music after singles “We Own The Night” and “In The Dark.” The track features DJ and producer MEARSY, aka Chris Mears, a former Olympic-gold-metal-winning springboard diver.

Franc Moody, “Move Me” — Ned Franc and Jon Moody released this latest track on their new label, House Of FM. The U.K. electro-funk duo spins up an intoxicating mix of house, funk and disco. A steady disco beat is paired with smooth vocal loops of soulfully melodic, masculine vocals and samples picked from other familiar disco and EDM tracks. The single follows 2022 album Into The Ether. The group is currently touring Europe through March.

Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet, “Work It” — BBC’s folk singer of the year, Ríoghnach (r-ee-OH-nuh) Connolly brings her skills as a powerful, traditional Irish singer to the soul genre in this colorful track. The current single is the latest off this Manchester, U.K. band’s 2022 album, It’s Been A While, Buddy. Connolly is supported by bandmates Lorien Garth Edwards on bass, Ellis Davies on guitar, John Ellis on keyboards, Biff Roxby on brass and Phil Howley on drums, providing solid musicianship. The eclectic track brings aspects of Americana, rock, and blues to match Connolly’s superior singing. She sounds a bit like Adele here. Connolly is slated to perform solo, with Honeyfeet and with her other project, The Breath, throughout the U.K. this spring.

Rival Sons, “Bird In The Hand” — The twangy guitar in the introduction leads you down a path that’s a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll in the latest offering from Long Beach, Calif. rockers Rival Sons. Jay Buchanan’s heartfelt delivery, message and the use of harmony is another nod to the feel of this track. Guitarist Scott Holiday does an excellent job helping to weave the storyline of the tale with his stylistic riffs. Bassist Dave Beste and drummer Michael Miley create a solid foundation with their steady rhythm. The Grammy-nomiated group has a new album, Darkfighter, coming on June 2. It’s currently on a U.S. tour.

The XCerts featuring Sam Carter, “Ache” — The latest single from this Scottish rock trio is a fun, energetic throwback to early ’90s pop-punk. The group collaborates with long-time friend Sam Carter, vocalist of metalcore band Architects. Singer-guitarist Murray Macleod takes turns with Carter singing lead on the verses, while Jordan Smith and Tom Heron provide equally energetic backing on bass and drums. Both vocalists sing with clarity and fervor and verve. So short, the song leaves you “aching” for a longer version.

Khamari, “On My Way” — Khamari offers up a smooth, rhythmic take on Al Green’s “Love And Happiness” to weave a story about his transformative journey from his hometown of Boston to his new home base of L.A. The melancholic melody seems to evoke the bittersweet feeling of leaving the familiarity of home for a dream-like future. Khamari’s sweet and mellow vocals is at times reminiscent of Frank Ocean over the verses and sails into a dreamy, airy delivery over the chorus.

Ebi Soda featuring J. Harli, “Please Don’t” — Jazz fusion group Ebi Soda drifts into the dance realm with its new single, featuring vocalist J. Harli. A two-step rhythm, chopped up jazz keys and Auto-Tuned vocals make it interesting and danceable. The catchy melody hypnotically loops around these elements. The song previews the U.K. band’s third album, which will feature collaborations with singers, MCs and spoken-word artists.

Mel’s pick: The smooth sounds of California neo-soul are undefeated. Khamari demonstrates this in “On My Way.” His dreamy road trip anthem belongs on repeat. His tenor voice drifting over the breezy track evokes a warm summer day, more than welcomed during this dark and stormy winter.

Follow Mel Bowman at Twitter.com/melmichel.