Fleet Foxes - The Seattle based band's debut album is critically acclaimed, with swirling pop melodies, it's folkish in a Neil Youngesque sort of manner. Fleet Foxes sings of unspoiled landscapes and then takes you there.
Album - Fleet Foxes
Listen to - 'He Doesn't Know Why'


Modest Mouse - Harder and a little more crunchy then the typical indie band, watch out for lead singer Isaac Brock's near feral screaming and gritty guitar playing, the songs are dark humor condensed.
Album - Good news for People who love Bad News
Listen to - 'Float on'

Panda Bear* - A couple of 12 min songs in, PB paints a colorful acoustical soundscape
reminiscent of 'Pet Sounds', just like the Beach Boys with more electronica and psychedelia.

*note not really a band, Noah Lennox is also part of Animal Collective.
Album - Person Pitch
Listen to - 'Bros'

Arctic Monkeys - Hailing from Sheffield, lead vocals Tuner sings with a aloof Yorkshire accent, while regaling tales of the working class and 'the Streets'. Chirpy riffs and fun songs.
Album - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Listen to - 'A Certain Romance'

Wolf Parade - The melodies are tight, the energy is contained. Their sophomore album shows that they have what it takes to be innovative. There are synthersizers galore, but the Bowie influences are undeniable.
Album- At Mount Zoomer
Listen to - 'Bang Your Drum'

And now for something completely different
-Ed