10. Deerhunter – Halycon Digest [4AD/Kranky]
Proving that Deerhunter are still fantastic, Halycon Digest is filled with a combination of upbeat tracks like Revival and ghostly songs like Helicopter.
9. Kate Nash – My Best Friend Is You [Fiction]
Refreshingly less ‘twee’ than Nash’s debut album, My Best Friend Is You is pop-tastic. Maintaining the cheeky mean streak that the songstress is known for, tracks like Kiss That Grrrl prove that Nash can bitch with the best of them.
8. Parades – Foreign Tapes [Remote Control/DotDash/P-Vine]
Parades are what one would call an incredibly accomplished band, and Foreign Tapes demonstrates their talent perfectly. This album is full of incredibly intricate and layered indie pop, and if the drum beats don’t get you hooked, the vocals are sure to.
7. Little Red – Midnight Remember [Liberation]
I won’t lie, the change from Little Red’s signature ‘60s rock to a more ‘70s synth-inspired album was jarring at first, but this album has grown on me to the point of becoming a staple in my car glovebox. Tracks like Slow Motion and Place Called Love are instantly addictive.
6. Vampire Weekend – Contra [XL Recording]
So what if picking Vampire Weekend is a total cliché? They’re really good, in case you haven’t heard! Contra is full of catchy tunes and the signature falsetto vocals that made Vampire Weekend’s first album amazing, without being repetitive or lacking progression.
5. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs [Merge Records]
The Suburbs retains Arcade Fire’s signature ethereal sound, with light melodies and airy pop making for a great listen. I can honestly say I like every track on this album, but highlights include Ready to Start and We Used to Wait.
4. The Holidays – Post Paradise [Liberation]
Post paradise? More like right in the midst of it! With layered funk grooves and falsetto vocals, The Holidays’ debut album is perfect summer listening, with single Moonlight Hours sure to be a dance favourite.
3. Local Natives – Gorilla Manor [Frenchkiss Records]
For a largely unknown indie band from LA, this self-funded album comes rife with swoony pop tracks and melodies that tug at your heartstrings.
2. Cloud Control – Bliss Release [Ivy League/Infectious]
Bliss is certainly what this album inspired in me. Truly masterful, Bliss Release is full of soaring guitar melodies and harmonising vocals that can only be described as hauntingly beautiful.
1. The Dead Weather – Sea of Cowards [Third Man Records]
To quote a friend of mine, “this album is sex.” With sultry vocals and sensual bass lines, Sea of Cowards has an addictive sound that is irrepressible. Alison Mosshart’s screeching on The Difference Between Us makes my skin crawl. In the best way.
