Renforshort, courtesy.

This week we feature the self-assurance of Jalen Santoy, contemplative self-criticism of Carly Cosgrove, apocalyptic anxiety of The Rumjacks, post-panic clarity of Caroline Romano, experimental distortions of WHY NOT and the jaded cynicism of Renforshort.

Jalen Santoy, “5am Conduct” — The light percussion and acoustic guitar pairing on this single from L.A. artist Jalen Santoy is perfect for navigating the headspace many people find themselves in on late nights. Santoy raps about finding self-assurance, something that holds many artists back. Santoy isn’t bound by this burden, though, and he’s showing the path out of that pitfall to anyone who needs it.

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Carly Cosgrove, “Really Big Shrimp” — Before you ask: Yes, the band name and song name are references to Nickelodeon shows “iCarly” and “Drake & Josh.” But the substance of what this Pennsylvania band goes far deeper than that. The song opens with washed-out electric guitar melody that rises to the top of the mix as singer Lucas Naylor explores the cognitive dissonance of attaining success without feeling like you’ve fully earned it.

The Rumjacks, “Bounding Main” — It’s not even March yet and you can already sense the rowdiness of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on their way with this Celtic punk sea shanty. The song is an anxious anthem for the impending climate apocalypse, as we have to prepare for the rising waters coming on their way. Batten down the hatches and “sail away, sail away at the end of the day.”

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Caroline Romano, “Panic Attack” — The light acoustic melody of Caroline Romano’s newest single doesn’t evoke the feelings of a panic attack, but it certainly does bring to mind the post-panic clarity of examining the fallout of one. Despite the uncertainty and hopelessness that seems to abound, Romano remembers to step back and realize that in the end,, some things are going to be OK.

WHY NOT featuring Lupin, “WE CAN BE ALWAYS” — The heavily distorted vocals overlaying the electronic synth-pop of this single by WHY NOT is certainly something experimental. Diverting away from its previous math-rock and punk influences, the band has sought to branch out into new sounds and genres. While this song isn’t punk in its sound per se, it embodies the subversive structure one would come to expect.

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Renforshort, “moshpit” — This driving rock melody is perfect for those who find themselves stuck in a relationship going nowhere. Renforshort examines the increasingly tiresome thorn in her side, confronting the person who’s forced their way into her life to an uncomfortable degree. Like being in a mosh pit, chances are you’re probably gonna get hurt if you stay in too long.

Tim’s pick: I have a friend who had to contend with a situation much like the one Renforshort described on “moshpit,” not too long ago. The perfect encapsulation of deep frustration, anger and jaded cynicism that developed under these circumstances left my friend constantly exhausted and unhappy. I think we can all relate to the tiresome humdrum of being stuck with a toxic person we can’t shake, and Renforshort captures that sentiment perfectly.

Follow editor Tim Hoffman at Twitter.com/hipsterp0tamus.