Just found these guys while surfing around and I was pretty in to them after listening to the piano opening to 'It's gettin easy'. Dear and the headlights have a bit of an Okkervil river feel with great instrumental arrangements.
On the same label as Okkervil River (Jagjaguwar), Minus Story produce an awesome sound which is both big and delicate at the same time. There is a likeness to Okkervil with a hint of Mercury Rev.
Black before Red are from Austin, Texas. They are a four piece and they write really smart stripped down indie tunes with great rhythmical bass lines. Good lyrics too.
I'm well behind on this one.. I was in the car flicking through Mp3's and came across Arab Strap's 'Elephant Shoe' album again. Great stuff! I got to work and went to their web site and found out they have stopped making music! December 06! Lets remember them...
I first listened to Kid Dakota about two or three years ago. It was some tunes from 'So Pretty' which included the excellent song 'Smokestack'. I think it's the amazing use of quiet and loud that sets them apart from the crowd.
I'm probably really behind the times with The Silent League But they have just released a new album "Of Stars And Other Somebodies". Great sound with amazing strings and VU style vocals but what would you expect from ex Mercury Rev keyboardist Justin Russo.
I am really liking Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos from Indiana, United States. I think it's the mix of guitar and strings which makes me like them. Good vocal too.
Once again I don't know too much about Cajun Dance Party except that they are a five piece from North London. Good catchy indie pop with memorable guitar licks and intelligent lyrics.