1.
Sigur Rós – Valtari
The Icelandic band’s sixth studio album is a slow-moving, atmospheric, brooding piece of work that bares little resemblance to Jonsi’s recent bright solo work, but will certainly please long time Sigur Rós fans. This is another magisterial outing from an incredibly talented and creative outfit.
2.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Here
They’ve made us wait for their sophomore album, but these hippy troubadours are finally back with a quirky, folky, bouncy album that is perfect for lying around in a field or forest and enjoying life. And if that isn’t high praise I don’t know what is.
3.
Azealia Banks – 1991 EP
The potty mouthed Harlem rapper’s got an album and a mixtape on the way, but for now we can be content with this EP, which contains already popular songs “212” and “Liquorice” whilst adding the slower and slightly calmer, but still lyrically dexterous “1991” and “Van Vogue”.
4.
Lemonade – Diver
From the opening sirens of “Infinite Style” through the synth stabs of ”Whitecaps” to the longing vocals of “Softkiss,” this is a lovingly crafted and crisply produced homage to sun, summer and good-times, in the form of a bright and breezy synth-pop album. Lemonade have released Diver just at the right time, and there’s no doubt that this will soundtrack many a beachside drive and backyard barbecue in the months to come.
5.
The Walkmen – Heaven
The Walkmen make very good, emotionally turbulent indie rock. They’ve been at it for over a decade and six albums, carving out a critically acclaimed niche with a hugely dedicated following. Heaven is a change of pace. The Walkmen are entering adulthood contentedly, but somehow are no less charismatic. The tone is calmer, the music is prettier, but this is still The Walkmen we’ve been listening to all along.
6.
2:54 – 2:54
The two sisters who make up 2:54 have mastered the art of brooding, longing indie-rock, and this album fully explains why The xx and Wild Beasts have been championing the band for a while. Watch the video for “Creeping” below – it’s a perfect representation of 2:54’s darkness tinged aesthetic.
7.
Regina Spektor – What We Saw From the Cheap Seats
Kooky pop songstress Regina Spektor’s sixth album is backed up by shining, glossy production, but it’s her sometimes full-power, sometimes fluttering voice that helps this stand out somewhat from the massed ranks of radio friendly pop.
