Now that January is about to be behind us and 2008 is well underway, music labels are unveiling the latest projects from their re-vamped rosters. We’ve spotlighted five new albums that are gaining a lot of buzz and defining indie rock’s new sound.
Vampire Weekend
This Ivy League-educated four-piece has quickly become one of the most talked about new bands, drawing praise from some of indie rock’s most elite outlets. (It’s the rare blend of attention that groups like the Arcade Fire or The Strokes gained before they blew up.) And though the buzz and hipster status of the Vampire Weekend is easy to compare to other indie rock mainstays, their music is another story. Critics have taken to labeling their unique (and relatively simple) blend of New York punk, New Wave and upbeat rock, “Afro-pop.” The band members reportedly have tastes for West African pop albums, and you can hear the influence in their breezy sound.
Each of their foot-tapping tunes on their latest self-titled album are carefully weaved together with bouncy keyboards and sunny guitar riffs. The band also maintains...
08.27.08
Creative Emanations
Lykke Li: Sweet Swedish Melodies
Bombastic and Poetic
