Scout's second album shows a tremendous amount of progress from her already good debut. These dynamic songs are full of sticky melodies and connective moments that you'll want to revisit again and again. It's the sign of an artist growing into her own. Listen to: Too Fast to Last

On their 7th album, Silversun Pickups ups the aggression and intensity of their playing, making this their best work in more than a decade. These songs snarl and ignite with propulsive hooks. Listen to: The Wreckage

Probably the most chaotic and sly album Mitski has released. She expands the country sound of her last LP with lush or jarring arrangements, pounding guitars and drums, and vocals that smirk and sigh. Listen to: That White Cat

Mesmerizing folk anthems that unfurl with a variety of lush, distorted, foreboding instrumentation, to create a uniquely vibrant soundscape. Each song conjures a picture in your mind, Mirah’s voice guiding you on a journey. Listen to: The Ballad of the Bride of Frankenstein

This record is simply full of really strong indie rock melodies. Nearly every song shines with catchy choruses or riffs, the type that get you singing along after a first listen. It’s the type of album that should be a breakthrough. Listen to: Happy 4U

A boldly beautiful, almost serenely psychedelic journey that sounds unlike anything Gorillaz has done before. It’s an expansive affair filled with strings, guest appearances, & melancholy vocals – their best work since Plastic Beach. Listen to: The Moon Cave

Have I seen the film yet? No. But this fills my cup for sensual drama and passion. Brilliant, bold, and uncompromising – this soundtrack is the inverted brat, its electronics crawling, stuttering, & gliding over her fantastic vocals. Listen to: Chains of Love

Lala Lala’s best album yet. This record is just bursting with creativity, as bold synths lines crash up against chaotic moments of noise, all with her dynamic vocal melodies as a grounded core. Listen to: Even Mountains Erode

An incredible, unnerving album with songs that shudder instead of soar, a foreboding bed for Joseph's haunted, agitated, and impactful vocals. Listen to: WOLF.

Burnishing strong folk tunes with a hard edge to them, Mini Trees has grown significantly as a songwriter over the last few years - and it feels like there's much more still to come. Keep an eye on this artist! Listen to: Spinning

I love a great surprise release! This is the type of solid, connective indie rock that the Crutchfield sisters haven't pursued in a while. Couldn't be happier that they're back in saddle with this collection of warm, enthusiastic songs. Listen to: Heathcliff

Her most-stripped back and vulnerable album yet, dealing with the raw feelings of a hard breakup but also making her way out the other side. If you need a little catharsis from heartbreak or sorrow, lose yourself in this record. Listen to: Feel Something

Serenely transcendent, Moran doles out incredible textures and melodies that move like professional skaters gliding over the ice. She knows exactly how to build a musical atmosphere that will transport you to another place, or at the very least, create a sense of tranquility and reflection. Listen to: Echo in the Field

The band adds a bit of light into their noisy post-punk squall. Don’t think that they’ve lost their edge though. These songs remain as imaginative and enticing as ever as they fully envelop you. Listen to: We Were Just Here

Florence's most primal, menacing, haunting album yet - one that channels the pain of her near-death experience into pulse-pounding songs, raw lyrics, & a cathartic scream. Six albums in, her creativity and vision continues in their brilliance. Listen to: Sympathy Magic

While not as consistent as their all-time debut, there is still so much to love here. No one quite sounds like TLDP and their theatrical approach continues to feel vibrant. Missed opportunity to not that “The Scythe” as the closing track though. It’s perfect in that role. Listen to: Second Best

While weaker than their last album, Double Infinity is still a great showcase for this band's songwriting prowess, a fuller-sounding project that draws strength from its long lists of collaborators. Listen to: Words

Sure, there are some good tunes throughout this release but it doesn't quite have staying power. It feels like a pleasant, quick one-and-done type of listen.

To put it simply: this is just an immensely solid indie-rock debut, where Daffo weaves an intimate and dynamic, magnetic sound for these emotionally intense songs. Listen to: Habit

It’s so rare to hear a folk album that blends vulnerability, melody, and experimentation seamlessly. But that's what Patterson did on this stunning debut, instantly marking the arrival of a wonderful new voice on the music scene. This record feels like it'll continue to slowly reveal its secrets over the long haul. Listen to: Jim