When Summer rolls up at your feet like a fast car full of your friends, girls, and beer you’re on a three-month ride of debauchery with memories you’d like to never forget. Along with that is the always infamous and never-failing, “summer soundtrack.”
A few summers back Vampire Weekend and MGMT were on constant rotation, and more recently we had Surfer Blood and White Denim. Maybe those weren’t on your summer playlists, but to each their own. Here are my Top 5 Most Anticipated Indie-Rock Albums of Summer 2012. Suit up, dress down, and try not to play too hard.
1.Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, “Here”
Release Date: May 29
Ever since they played at Trustees Theater during the summer of 2010, “Up From Below,” their 2009 Billboard top 200 debut album that housed the mega-hit “Home” and the mainstream-flooded “Janglin,'” has had me hooked. After hearing the new song from “Here” called, “Man On Fire” Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros will without a doubt be planting their roots in the muddy soil of indie-rock for summers to come.
2. Sigur Ros, “Valtari”
Realease Date: Online now
It’s easy to say that Sigur Ros, with lead singer Jonsi’s dreamy reverb-thick falsetto, use of a made-up language known as Hopelandic and their frequent use of a violin bow on their delayed guitars, makes unique music. From past hits like “Glósóli” and “Starálfur,” this Icelandic band sounds like a dream. Like the way a summer feels in the beginning of fall when you ask yourself, “Did that really happen?” (Check out the single from “Valtari” titled “Ekki múkk,” which according to them “means nothing at all.”) Sometimes things are better left to the imagination.
3. Phoenix, TBA
Phoenix experienced global stardom after the release of “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” and their single “1901.” I got into Phoenix a few years before the success of “Wolfgang,” listening to tracks like “Consolation Prizes” and “North.” In their interview with the Pedestrian TV, the band has referred to the new album as “very experimental.” I’m very excited for this Parisian endeavor.
4. Best Coast, “The Only Place”
Release Date: Out now!
Best Coast (meaning you’re the best if you’re from California) is led by the 25-year-old Bethany Cosentino of Los Angeles. Poppy, lo-fi, and indie as can be, they sing about love and relationships, which is nothing new, but they deliver the subject matter in a fresh way. “The Only Place” is where I want to be. The album’s single of the same title is a good first listen, but don’t compare this album to their last titled “Crazy For You.” Best Coast is looking to return to their original sound.
This last and final one in my top 5 was a tough decision. But it fell accordingly in this manner. Sorry Mumford & Sons fans.
5. Animal Collective, “Centipede Hz”
Release Date: Expected September 2012
This is slated for a late summer release, which means classes will be starting when it comes out. But don’t fret. Take this record with you into fall because with the success of their latest album “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” and the mega cult hit “My Girls,” this album should live up to the hype. After all, Collective is a supergroup of notable musicians and they’re one of the most recognized bands making experimental, psychedelic indie-rock.
Be sure to take a look and make note of what is to come this summer. These five are merely just a jumping point. Many more bands are releasing their latest work because, after all, you need one last blowout before the world ends in December, right?
By Corey Hines
