By Taryn Nobil, Western High School S-S

9:51 a.m. EST, December 31, 2012

Independent music's best

 

10. Japandroids

The Canadian rock duo’s sophomore album, Celebration Rock, is a volcano of pleasant noise, erupting with bombastic guitar arrangements and explosive choruses of declaration. Its lead single, “The House That Heaven Built,” was named the 24th best song of 2012 by Rolling Stone.

 

9. The Maccabees

After peaking at No. 4 on the UK charts and touring the U.S. with Florence + The Machine, it is no wonder this British band is one of the most buzzed about breakouts of the year. The group’s third album, Given to the Wild, solidified it as 2012’s greatest overseas import. The Maccabee’s unearthly innovative indie-rock record earned a Mercury Award nomination for album of the year.

 

8. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

This alt-folk supergroup earned high praise for its second studio album, Here. The heart of Here palpitates with life, love and charming chants. The Zeros’ happy-go-lucky vibe transcends standard hippie rock—it warms spirits and raises souls.

 

7. The xx

This English trio has nailed an atmospheric algorithm, one part alluring vocals and one part sensual beats. The xx developed its trademark smooth sound with this year’s Coexist, its second studio album: a narrative of romance and heartbreak, intimacy and loneliness. The rising electronic dance scene is an evident influence, spurning a progression in the musical style.

 

6. Walk the Moon

When iTunes sold Walk the Moon’s lead single, “Anna Sun,” for free as Single of the Week, it received an enormously positive response from hipsters and mainstream listeners alike. It soared on the radio waves with frequent airplay on Sirius XM and became a dance anthem of the summer. Walk the Moon’s self-titled debut album established the band as up and coming experts in indie pop-rock.       

 

5. Imagine Dragons

Originally an underground indie gem, Imagine Dragons seeped into the mainstream when the video for the track was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award. After being featured in the trailer for The Perks of Being A Wallflower, “It’s Time” became the anthem of our generation. The group’s first studio album, Night Visions, received massive critical acclaim and hit No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.