We have an early frontrunner for this year’s catchiest dance song in The Royal Concept‘s “World On Fire.” Since putting out their self-titled EP — in particular standout track “Gimme Twice” — the Swedish indie-pop group has been a nonstop, buzz-generating machine. So it’s no wonder that “World On Fire” has already got us on our feet and jumping around the room. Stream it below.

Tickets are sold out for their show on February 22nd at The Fillmore supporting Imagine Dragons, but if you find them, clutch them for dear life, and start exercising, because you’re going to sweat.

STREAM: The Royal Concept – “World On Fire”

If you want to understand the direction the Cold War Kids are going in on their fourth studio LP, Dear Miss Lonelyhearts, look no further than the opening line of “Miracle Mile.” Using the full force of frontman Nathan Willet’s spectacular pipes and a piano riff that makes you want to run around a room while flailing your arms, the group has made it clear that they’re back and are going to make you dance whether you like it or not. It’s a rollicking tour-de-force and bodes well for the rest of the album.

Cold War Kids’ Dear Miss Lonelyhearts is set for a April 2nd release on Downtown Records.

STREAM: Cold War Kids – “Miracle Mile”

Ever wonder what happens when a quartet of New York-based garage rockers gets together with one of ATG’s all-time favorite artists? Well, it probably sounds something like The Postelles’ new song “Pretend It’s Love,” featuring none other than the lovely Alex Winston. On their self-titled debut album, the Postelles honed their brand of 1950s revival rock with some production assistance from the Strokes’ Albert Hammond Jr.. Their upcoming LP, …And It Shook Me, moves the band closer to the pop end of the spectrum, but man does it work. The back and forth between Winston and lead singer Daniel Balk is playful and sweet, which invokes the emotional state of pretend love but contradicts the fact that really, you’re just figuring out how the whole tale ends. That dichotomy, paired with a nice little guitar solo from David Dargahi and a never-ending refrain, makes this an instant pop classic.

The Postelles’ …And It Shook Me comes out April 23rd on +1 Records.

STREAM: The Postelles – “Pretend It’s Love (feat. Alex Winston)”

Despite having grown up in Los Angeles, I hadn’t heard much about Westlake Village duo Foxygen until fellow ATG writer Brooks posted “Make It Known.” Heavily influenced by 60s psychedelic rock, Sam France and Jonathan Rado released Take the Kids Off Broadway last year to much acclaim, critical and otherwise. In a couple of weeks, they are following up on the success of the Richard Swift-produced EP with their first full-length album, We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic. The band just released a video for album track “San Francisco.” It’s a strange combination of clips from old bedrooms, living rooms and modern forest exploration. And it works.

Get We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic on January 22nd via Jagjaguwar.

So everybody’s in a better mood now that HBO’s Girls is back, right? I know I am. The oddly addictive, often cringe-inducing and always self-deprecating hit series rang in the new year with a new soundtrack featuring the likes of Robyn, Fleet Foxes, Grouplove and fun.  While much of it is simply a well put-together mixtape, Tegan and Sara, in anticipation of their new album, Heartthrob, whipped up a delightful rendition of the Rolling Stone’s classic “Fool to Cry”. To produce they brought on none other than RAC, who mesh old soul and new electronica here like it’s the best thing since PB&J. Whether you’re a fan of Lena Dunham or not, you’ll enjoy this tune.

Girls – Volume 1: Music From The HBO Original Series is out now via Fueled By Ramen.

STREAM: Tegan & Sara – “Fool To Cry (Rolling Stones Cover)”

Active Child connects himself to a strong lineage of gospel singers with a new cover of “His Eye Is On the Sparrow.” Pat Grossi’s minimalist take on this 1905 hymn features nothing but vocals and piano. Get 2013 off to a soulful start and stream the lovely cover below.

Active Child’s You Are All I See is out now on Vagrant.

STREAM: Active Child – His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Ghost Beach, an ATG favorite and part of the stellar lineup for our End of the World party, recently covered someone you might not expect: John Mayer. Yes, the guitar genius/pop heartthrob/every famous woman’s boyfriend seems to have a hold on the NYC duo. Ghost Beach’s take on “Vultures” is a raucous rendition of the original, turning the bright summery anthem into a synthpop dance storm. Stream it below or download a copy in exchange for a Like on the band’s Facebook.

Catch Ghost Beach with everyone’s favorite remix artists RAC, DC natives Brett and ATG’s favorite DJ Lightwaves at the End of the World Party this Friday, December 21st. Tickets are going for $20 advance and $25 day of show. But really, it’s an investment in making sure your last hours on earth are your finest. What better way to go out?

TICKETS: End of the World
RSVP: Facebook

STREAM: Ghost Beach – “Vultures (John Mayer Cover)”

Ra Ra Riot are back with a new single “When I Dream” from their forthcoming album, Beta Love. The song’s a bit slower than their previous efforts, which could perhaps be attributed to the departure of cellist Alexandra Lawn, but the combination of smooth vocals, strings and subtle touches of synth keep the New York quartet’s signature sound intact. The band’s two for two with their Beta Love singles — the first being the incredibly catchy title track — so here’s to hoping they keep a perfect record when the album drops.

Ra Ra Riot’s Beta Love comes out January 22nd via Barsuk.

STREAM: Ra Ra Riot – “When I Dream”

Even if you don’t like LCD Soundsystem — we’ll deal with that problem later — you have to admit that “All My Friends” is a pretty incredible song (and amazing soundtrack to the trailer for Shut Up and Play the Hits). So naturally a cover of the track from Kodaline, who were recently listed on the BBC’s Sound of 2013, is well worth a listen. The Dublin four-piece’s stripped down version goes slow where the original is fast, emotional where LCD Soundsystem’s surges with energy. It’s a fantastic take on this ballad of lost youth. Give it a listen below.

STREAM: Kodaline – “All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem Cover)”

Have you ever lost something in your house? Well, try losing something in the one featured in pop-savvy indie rockers Young Buffalo’s new video for “Upstairs.” Watch above as our protagonist gets lost in an Eternal Sunshine-like maze of doors, holes and other portals. Like most quarters that fall between couch cushions, everything ends up in a magical purple forest.

You can find “Upstairs” on Young Buffalo’s self-titled EP, out now on Votiv.

STREAM: Young Buffalo – Upstairs