Sweet ‘n sorrow Canadian indie artist Hannah Georgas blends acoustics and electronics for a sound thats a la The XX but is slightly brighter. 

Deep Sea Diver … History Speaks … 2012

Reminds me of Best Coast, Chastity Belt, and Camera Obscura rolled in a melodically delicious album, History Speaks.

Tango in the Attic … Sellotape … 2012

Four-piece offbeat indie pop band hailing from Glenrothes, Scotland. Punchy guitar lines and heavily distorted, melodic vocals.

Blood Red Shoes … In Time to Voices … 2012

Duo between two quickly-rising musicians, Steven Ansell and Laura-Mary Carter. This is beautifully textured, yet has a breathing room that keeps it relaxed and full of exciting potential. I’m digging it.

RIYL Band of Skulls, The Kills, My Bloody Valentine

JJAMZ … Suicide Pact … 2012

Super-group made up of James Valentine (Maroon 5), Jason Boesel (Rilo Kelly/Bright Eyes), Alex Greenwald (Phantom Planet), Michael Runion, and Z Berg (The Like). It was formed after a karaoke night in Hollywood. Fun, upbeat pop with driving female vocals and a nice, mellow tone.