Mechanical River is the moniker for Charleston, South Carolina native Joel Hamilton’s most recent musical project — a lo-fi folk masterpiece constructed with fuzzed out, crooning vocals, crunchy acoustic guitar arrangements, and drum machine percussion. In the spirit of true DIY, Hamilton plays every instrument on his debut album Astral Castle, which he recorded and produced himself. Tracks for the album, which is still in development, were mixed at Electric Lady Studios by Ben Baptie in hopes to release the album next year.

Nikki Lane turns the vulnerable singer-songwriter stereotype on its ear, crafting songs that crucify ex-boyfriends and have no problem with one-night stands as long as she can bolt town right after. Her cooing-yet-brutal vocals are a perfect fit with an aching, mournful guitar. Her not-yet-released debut album, entitled All Or Nothin’ (New West Records) is one of the most anticipated of 2014 and was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.

Says Lane, “My songs always paint a pretty clear picture of what’s been going on in my life, so this is one moody record.  There’s lots of talk of misbehaving and moving on.”  The result is an album that pouts and teases whip-smart revenge tactics, over-you sentiments, and sultry discontent, all while maintaining a sense of self — strong and in control.