Chiddy Bang – Breakfast
More than three years after meeting just a hop, skip and jump away from Penn at Drexel, alternative hip hop duo Chiddy Bang has finally dropped their studio debut. And all because of a friendship they struck up during their first semester at college — maybe it does pay off to be nice to the kids in your freshman hall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYObkNKwWH4
Estelle – All of Me
Ever since bursting onto the international scene with the Kanye West-graced “American Boy,” Estelle has been on the radar of anyone interested in the future of R&B. This is the third studio album from the London native, featuring guest spots by Trey Songz, Janelle Monae and Rick Ross.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHt5tig5-4M
Little Barrie – King of the Waves
Like a little blues and funk with your garage rock? Then the nostalgia-tinged sounds of Little Barrie might be right up your alley. King of the Waves came out in the UK last summer, but this US release could usher in the crossover these Londoners have been waiting for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGsSiQaQmZo
Memoryhouse – The Slideshow Effect
While there may be plenty of one-guy-and-one-girl bands that dreamily ponder the meaning of relationships, The Slideshow Effect have a pretty awesome distinguishing trait: they write their songs based on photographs. It’s a twee fantasy, released fittingly on Sub Pop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs3xVfCG0Hg
We Have Band – Ternion
London-based DIY trio We Have Band make frenetic dance pop with a dark edge. One listen through their seductive second album and it might be hard to believe that the band members had no experience as musicians before starting this project — they all just worked at the same record label.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktAGS-vT5Lg
