Top Ten Best New Bands of 2013
1. Tame Impala
Tame Impala comes in the top slot for modernizing the psychedelic rock genre. They originate out of Perth, Australia. The have two albums Innerspeaker and Lonerism.
"Lonerism was voted number #1 overall in Rolling Stone, Triple J, NME, Filter Magazine, Urban Outfitters, FasterLouder and Obscure Sound's 2012 Album of the Year polls." -Wikipedia
My favorite tracks are:
- Elephant (The solo even manages to sound like an elephant)
- Solitude Is Bliss
- Lucidity
- Why Won't You Make Up Your Mind?
- Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
- Mind Mischief
They could be the next Beatles.
2. Alt J
Alt J is an Indie rock group from Leeds, England. Their music is very unique. Some songs take a while to grow on you, but they get there and they stick!
They got their name from a keyboard shortcut (alt J) on the Mac OS which makes a Greek Delta symbol.
Their album "An awesome wave" won BBC Radio 6 Music Album of the Year 2012 and Album of the year at The Ivor Awards in 2013.
They have plenty of great tracks some of my favorites being:
- Something Good (probably the catchiest off the bat)
- Tesselate
- Matilda
- Breezeblocks
Comedown Machine
3. The Strokes
The Strokes have been around for a while but they are still releasing new albums and their sound is still very current.
The Strokes originate out of New York, USA and have enjoyed wide critical acclaim all the way back in 2001 with their debut album "Is this it" featured in Rolling Stone's Greatest Albums of All time. Their next album "Room on Fire" features one of my favorite tracks Reptilia.
Following that album they released "First Impressions Of Earth." Razorblade, the fourth track of the album, is probably my top The Strokes song.
Speed up to today, The Strokes have released "Comedown Machine" in 2013 with tracks currently charting such as "Tap Out" and "One Way Trigger."
It's no surprise that The Strokes completes my top 3.
4. The Shins
The Shins are one of my favorite bands of all time. From Albuquerque, New Mexico they also have been around for over a decade formed back in 1996.
The Shins have performed on SNL promoting their album "Wincing the Night Away", their song "Past and Pending" was even played at Heath Ledger's Funeral.
Their new album Port of Morrow has topped at the 3 spot of the US Billboard. The tracks Simple Song and It's Only Life are my favorite of the album.
5. The Temper Trap
The second Australian band on my list! Temper Trap is based out of Melbourne. They have some great low key tracks that are so chill.
You absolutely must listen to "Soldier On" and "Love Lost." The Temper Trap have won best group and rock album at the ARIA music awards.
It's pretty down tempo but the unique sound carries you through.
6. Two Door Cinema Club
Two Door Cinema Club have made the rounds, from late night tv to worldwide touring. Hailing from Northern Ireland comes a band with a wide repertoire of upbeat songs. My current favorite song the second single from their new album "Beacon" named "Sun" which you can check out below.
Their other album "Tourist History" is full of great songs. My favorite three are "Undercover Martyn," "Something Good Can Work," and "What You Know."
This band is no one hit wonder.
Vampire Weekend
7. Vampire Weekend
The second band from New York on my list, Vampire Weekend. These guys are new to me, but their track "Holiday" from their album "Contra" hooked me immediately with a cool, easy-flowing yet highly-upbeat melody.
They have a brand new album (Modern Vampires of the City) released in May 2013 that I have linked in the sidebar.
Interesting fun fact: In January 2012, President Barack Obama added Vampire Weekend to a short list of musical artists that he sought support from for his re-election campaign. Vampire Weekend made it onto this list with Jay-Z, John Legend, and Alicia Keys. -nme.com
8. Metronomy
Metronomy are an electric group based out of England. I include them on this list because they have an indie vibe. The song that got me hooked on them is "On Dancefloors" from their album "Nights Out".
Their more popular songs are actually off their last album, "The English Riviera" released in 2011. "The Bay" and "The Look" still charting today. Really cool band.
Metronomy has toured with bands such as Coldplay and Bloc Party.
9. Phoenix
At spot nine, I have an alternative rock band from Versailles, France. I have listened to this band off and on over the years but they keep on putting out new, interesting music. Their last album, "Bankrupt!", just came out April 2013.
They are most likely known for their album "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" which had songs featured in the superbowl and performed live on SNL. The Album won Best Alternative Music Album at the 2009 Grammy Awards. Their track "1901" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Alternative Songs chart. Definitely a solid band. I enjoy their song "Lasso" as my favorite.
"Where would you go, where would you go tied to a lasso?"
10. Darwin Deez
Another American Indie band from New York, when I heard the song "Constellations" I couldn't get enough. The track sounds very C.A.K.E. inspired and is instantly catchy.
Darwin Deez has toured with Two Door Cinema Club (named earlier on my list).
Have a listen at Spotify or Amazon
You can jam out to a lot of these with this playlist with spotify: Top 100 Indie Tracks on Spotify.
Or browse more top indie/alternative songs at Amazon.
I hope you enjoyed these music selections, you can read plenty more of my hubs at:
Let me know your favorite new band of 2013 in the comments below!
