Louis Cole, courtesy.

This week’s edition features orchestral funk from Louis Cole with the Metropole Orkest, contemplative rap from Darren Waller, imaginative rock by Etta Marcus, Ok Cowgirl, The Heavy Heavy and Liily, a little folk from Mo Kenney and soul by Jake Isaac.

Louis Cole featuring Metropole Orkest and Jules Buckley, “These Dreams Are Killing Me” — Louis Cole and the Dutch fusion orchestra, conducted by Jules Buckley, have made a well-crafted, funk-fueled journey. Climbing guitar noodling above a grooving bass line carry Cole’s falsetto vocal harmonies on the chorus. Swirling strings set the mood and brass accents lift this song even higher. A righteous guitar solo lifts off in the third act to carry the composition to its end. The L.A. native and Thundercat collaborator impresses again.

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Darren Waller, “Choose Wisely (Farewell)” — After an eight-year career in the NFL, including with the former Oakland Raiders, Darren Waller says “farewell” to the game that gave him a live through song. Who saw that coming? Waller uses music to reflect on the experience he’s had as a football player. It’s an honest look at his life. That vulnerability is reflected by the smoky and jazzy piano chords, brass and his introspective rhymes on “Choose Wisely.” A little over halfway into the four-minute song, the song changes gears with gentle sax playing as the song turns into more rhythmic hip-hop, while Waller raps about how far he’s come and how much further he has to go—over a sample of Snoop Dogg’s “I wanna thank me” Hollywood star acceptance speech.

Etta Marcus, “Death Grips” — Laconic bass plonks and dramatic piano playing introduce Etta Marcus’ crying voice, which is layered with hazy guitar swarms. “Death Grips” has its own distinct feeling that creates a clear mental image. Marcus has said the song changed over the years, describing the final version as “violent yet soft.” Anxiety builds in the verses before crashing into a carefree chorus to create a satisfying release.

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The Heavy Heavy, “Happiness” — This song embodies its name. The U.K. band’s sound has hints of Southern rock and Laurel Canyon. The classic rock organ strains and Motown guitar chords (can you hear “My Girl” in there?) pump this song with a healthy dose of nostalgia. The lead single from The Heavy Heavy’s debut album, One of a Kind, encourages listeners to have fun.

Jake Isaac, “BLACK OR WHITE” — Jake Isaac’s smooth vocals fill this song with warmth. The vibrance of the composition, from its flute to the gospel singers, comes through the speakers loud and clear. The U.K. singer-songwriter has said the song is about the adage of “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” He shows with “BLACK OR WHITE” that it’s not just what you play, it’s how you play it.

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Ok Cowgirl, “Forever” — Ok Cowgirl touches your soul on its latest song, a preview of debut album Couldn’t Save Us From My Gut, out in August. Over jazzy minor chords on a guitar and galloping rhythm section, Leah Lavigne’s voice expresses the turmoil this song is about. Can a love last forever? Does it matter?

Mo Kenney, “Evening Dream” — Mo Kenney takes listeners through happy memories that feel sad now that they’re in the past. “Evening Dream” features a folky sound, led on acoustic guitar, that fits perfectly with Kenney’s reflections in their lyrics. The relationship may be over now, but “Evening Dream” shows that people can go their separate ways still wishing the best for each other.

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Liily, “Swallow” — The scratchy guitar riffs, thumping bass and hallowed drumming blends with distorted vocals, providing the right amount of angst on the latest by Lilly (a band, not one person). Is it shoegaze? Post-punk? The simplicity, grime and energetic hook is what makes “Swallow” pure rock and roll.

Peter’s pick: Louis Cole has said “These Dreams Are Killing Me” “sits in that perfect phantom zone between sad and happy.” The duality of emotions makes the song intriguing, yet it’s still danceable. It asks you think while you dance, which makes it right up my alley.