10. Underoath – Ø (Disambiguation) [Tooth and Nail]

I devoted one of my longer posts this year to the metalcore phenomenon that is Underoath.  Once the forerunners of “screamo,” the Tooth and Nail lifers have grown into a beast of another nature.  Ø (Disambiguation) chronicles the band at a key turning point in its history.  Coming off a less-than-stellar album and the departure of drummer and long-time vocalist Aaron Gillespie, the band returns in full force with some of its most intricate, brutal and melodic work yet.  No identity crisis here — Underoath is still at the top of their game.

MP3: Underoath – “In Division”


9. The Reign Of Kindo – This Is What Happens [CandyRat]

Piano-based music tends not to be my cup of tea, unless of course it’s pulled off by a bunch of musical geniuses.  From the keys to the kit, you can tell the guys in Reign of Kindo are masters of their craft.  The Buffalo five-piece puts a progressive, jazzy spin on indie-rock, something you see very little of these days.  Been digging Kindo since their first album, but man did they get it right with This Is What Happens.

MP3: The Reign of Kindo – “Now We’ve Made Our Ascent”

8. Circa Survive – Blue Sky Noise [Atlantic]

Circa Survive’s occupied a unique spot in the “scene,” being one of the few bands at its forefront to take a bit of a more experimental approach to its work.  Perhaps that’s why the Philly five-piece was able to snag a major-label deal for the release of their third studio album.  Thankfully this step up hasn’t forced the band to make any concessions on songwriting.  Blue Sky Noise is by far Circa’s most memorable album to date, showcasing Anthony Green and co. at their best.

MP3: Circa Survive – “Imaginary Enemy”


7. Foals – Total Life Forever [Transgressive]

For their sophomore release Foals hid away from Antidotes‘ angular dance-punk in favor of a more controlled, introspective product.  The progressive sensibility is still there, albeit hidden under reserved melody.  Although “Hummer” was what got me hooked on these guys in the first place, tracks like Total Life Forever‘s “Blue Blood,” “Spanish Sahara,” and “Miami” are what will keep me listening.

MP3: Foals – “Miami”


6. Gorillaz – Plastic Beach [Parlophone]

Pop can take on a number of faces, but rarely are so many of them assumed by a single entity.  Damon Albarn has been pulling this off since the release of Gorillaz’s eponymous debut album and has kept it going with this year’s Plastic Beach.  With an eclectic collection of sounds and a slew of top notch guest spots, the latest from the animated supergroup maintains that aura of pop intrigue while exploring plenty of new terrain.

MP3: Gorillaz – “Empire Ants”


5. Local Natives – Gorilla Manor [Frenchkiss]

It’s hard to place Local Natives.  With nearly a year having passed since the stateside release of Gorilla Manor, attempts at doing so are futile.   Despite the different influences you may or may not hear throughout the album’s twelve-track course, we can all agree that these guys have put out one of the more unique indie releases of the year.  And the vocal harmonies — nobody pulls them off quite like these guys (except perhaps somebody farther down this list).

MP3: Local Natives – “Wide Eyes”


4. Crime In Stereo – I Was Trying To Describe You To Someone [Bridge Nine]

I wish I had gotten into Crime in Stereo earlier.  The Long Island outfit broke up earlier this year, but not before releasing what for me is now a quintessential post-hardcore record.  I Tried To Describe You To Someone is equal parts ferocity and ambition, and as vague as the genre may sound, this record is exactly what its followers should strive for.  It’d be nice to expect something more from these guys, but perhaps this was the best note for them to go out on.

MP3: Crime In Stereo – “Drugwolf”


3. Bear Hands – Burning Bush Supper Club [Cantora]

Bear Hands’ Burning Bush Supper Club has been surprisingly absent from most of the year-end lists I’ve read.  A few reviews have lauded the album but marked it down for its attempts at covering too much ground.  If you ask me, that’s what makes it so great.  The Cantora signees balance gritty indie-punk with just enough synth to create something of a totally different nature.  It’s weird, spunky, and infectious — just the way I like it.  Sure, the album may be a bit top heavy, but it has more than enough jams to get it a sure spot on this list.

MP3: Bear Hands – “What A Drag”


2. Hellogoodbye – Would It Kill You? [Wasted Summer]

For most people, I doubt that Hellogoodbye came even close to qualifying as a candidate for pop-rock act of the year.  The former Drive Thru wunderkinds gained as many haters as they did followers with their synch-drenched, regrettably auto-tuned pop punk.  As much as I love a little “Call and Return” now and then, this wasn’t the sound of a band with staying presence.  Years later, after a bitter split with the aforementioned label, major line-up changes and plenty of soul searching, Forrest Kline and co. are back with what is honestly a superb record.  Next time you come across their name, ignore the sour taste in your mouth and give them a listen.   This is some good stuff.

MP3: HelloGoodbye – “When We First Met”

1. Good Old War – Good Old War [Sargent House]

It’s hard to say anything I haven’t said about the boys in Good Old War.  I’ve represented them here probably more than any artist, but it’s simple really: they are damn good at what they do.  For that reason, I am not at all surprised that they have made it onto this year’s list.  Keith, Dan and Tim are masters of folk-pop, perfecting the sounds of their predecessors and transforming them into something that everybody can love.  Everybody, ranging from fans of their Fueled by Ramen alma mater to the folks at NPR, is digging them and you should too.  Their self-titled sophomore release is a superb follow-up to their debut and one of my all-time favorite albums, Only Way To Be Alone.  It’s more of that three-part harmonizing goodness. Who could ask for anything more?

MP3: Good Old War – “That’s Some Dream”