Astronautalis

Photo copyright © Annie Ray, AnnieRay.net.

Astronautalis is technically a "rapper", but that's really selling him short. While his freestyles are awe inspiring, Astronautalis' style, in my opinion, is more what I'd call shoegaze or indie rap. Some of the tracks off Mighty Ocean and Nine Dark Theater remind of Modest Mouse, with spoken lyrics. Not all the songs are "rap", he makes successful attempts at singing, or using melody in his unique singing style.

On his new album Pomegranate, his experiments with instrumentation and singing have blossomed. Full of layered horns and organs, interesting imagery through creative lyrics, and great production, this third album will hopefully propel him into the semi-stardom he deserves.

Try
The Wondersmith and His Sons
Trouble Hunters

Buy
Emusic
Eyeball Records

Foals

Foals are a band from the Oxford England, signed to Sup Pop. They play a dancy, mathy style of indie rock. The guitar work is technical, the drums are super dancy and they even have horns for f*cks' sake! Highly Recommended.

For fans of Minus the Bear, Bloc Party, Mystery Jets, and Moving Units.

Try
Cassius
Balloons

Buy
Emusic
Sub Pop Minimart

Satisfaction

Satisfaction is a band from my hometown of Costa Mesa, CA featuring Mike Rosas of Headfirst and Smile. They play a nostalgic kind of rock, bordering on seventies pop, with the modern sensibilities and hooks of Mike's previous band, Smile. The vocals are great and the production is solid.

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So We'll Just Take the Night
Feel So Stupid

Buy
Both EPs are available on their myspace page here.

Graham Wright

Graham Wright plays keyboards in Tokyo Police Club and has just released a solo album called "The Lakes of Alberta".

His songs are soft and pretty with layered acoustic guitars and thoughtful lyrics. A definite departure from TPC, and definitely worth the listen.

Try
Canmore Hotel
The Lakes of Alberta, pt. 1

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