Junior Boys

Wait for it. Begone Dull Care, the third album from Canadian electro-pop duo Junior Boys, will sneak up on you when you least expect it. While "Hazel" and "Parallel Lines" stand out immediately (they're ready for the slickest clubs you can imagine), the restrained, repetitive grooves throughout the rest of the album are what really get under your skin -- close your eyes to "Sneak A Picture" and you'll get chills. As Dusted Magazine puts it, "the best way to experience Junior Boys' music has always been total submission."

For fans of: Depeche Mode + Morgan Geist + Cut Copy

The Veils

London-based New Zealanders The Veils have only flirted with mainstream success; despite critical appreciation and plenty of touring, their music is still considered heady and edgy in an otherwise safe genre. Produced by Bernard Butler (The Libertines, Duffy, Cut Off Your Hands), Sun Gangs has the big sound of radio-ready Britrock, but frontman Finn Andrew's intense, deeply emotional lyricism looms over the album like the darkest elements of The Doors. Spend time with his demons, and you'll come out on the other side changed.

For fans of: Jeff Buckley + Arcade Fire + The National

Micachu and the Shapes

Thanks to their distinct and original live performances, Micachu and the Shapes were arguably the most buzzed-about new band at this year's SXSW festival. Led by 21-year-old Mica Levi (aka Micachu), Jewellery uses homemade instruments and experimental recording techniques for a sound that The Times UK describes as "an ear-bashing of crazy-paving beats, junk-shop punk, electronic drones and deceptively mellifluous bedsit pop." Björk and Grizzly Bear love this band; you probably will too.

For fans of: TV on the Radio + Björk + Harry Patch

It Hugs Back

Naming a band It Hugs Back might seem peculiar, but it's fitting for this British quartet. On their debut album Inside Your Guitar the group uses gentle, whispery vocals and fuzzy guitars to create songs that "return a listener's affection" (Pitchfork). Get cozy with this warm, shoegazy dream pop.

For fans of: Yo La Tengo + Electrelane + Stereolab

Maria Taylor

Maria Taylor recommends that you listen to her poignant post-breakup album Ladyluck "in a dark room, with a candle or two with headphones, maybe in the bath, but definitely horizontal." Despite the subject matter, Taylor's take is optimistic and upbeat, and her vocals are relaxing and ethereal. Paste Magazine says "delicious as a pop diva, she infuses substantive poetry into every line, creating a brand of breakup ballad you can really sink into." Also, don't miss the song "Cartoons and Forever Plans" featuring R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe.

For fans of: Suzanne Vega + Bright Eyes + Sara Lov

Pele

Active from 1997-2004, Milwaukee instrumental rock band Pele was one of the groups responsible for characterizing the "sound" of Polyvinyl Records and the Chicago indie scene. A Scuttled Bender in a Watery Closet is a best-of/rarities collection, and a wonderful introduction to their warm, lengthy experimentations with math-rock and jazz (the longest track here is 23 minutes). Without pop hooks or catchy riffs to focus on, the real joy is just hearing Pele jam together.

For fans of: Tortoise + El Ten Eleven + Joan of Arc

Kim Burrell

All you've gotta do is listen to the "Prelude" on this album to know you're in for a good time. The sound of Houston gospel singer Kim Burrell warming up, as she riffs and scats over Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke," could be the best song you've heard in a while. From there, No Ways Tired launches into original and traditional gospel numbers, as well as her rendition of Gershwin's "Someone To Watch Over Me," showing off her slow-jazz side. See why Beyoncé Knowles said "All the real singers listen to Kim Burrell"!

For fans of: Ella Fitzgerald + Chaka Khan + Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Hurt

Goodbye to the Machine is the fourth album from Virginia-based hard rockers Hurt. Known for their combination of hard, classic and prog rock, Hurt packs this album with distorted guitar riffs and passionate vocals. This time around they even manage to sprinkle string arrangements throughout the album as well as acoustic ballads "Sweet Delilah" and "World Ain't Right," featuring Seether's Shaun Morgan.

For fans of: Tool + As I Lay Dying + Days of the New