The Paper Kites
The Paper Kites have been popping up on my Facebook newsfeed over the last couple months and it's no surprise as their music is extremely likable. It really doesn't take any warming up to. It's not that often that a record has me grinning from ear to ear on my first listen but Woodland EP sure did. Honestly, I dare you not to smile while listening to Woodland or Bloom. These Australians don't hide their influences. Willow Tree March in particular screams, nay, croons 2008 Fleet Foxes. But they're following in the steps of masters so I'm not complaining. Here's hoping they release a full album in the near future.
Of Monsters and Men
Another gem I came across recently, these Icelandic hipsters really have this folk-rock thing down. If you look up Of Monsters and Men on youtube you'll notice that there is quite a bit of buzz surrounding them. You'll also notice people comparing them to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, but those people have probably only listened to Edward's song Home which, while good, is not representative of their album as a whole. Edward was all about the sounds of the 1960s and feeling nostalgic about Woodstock. Of Monsters and Men is modern, driven and accessible. My guess is that they have been listening to more Arcade Fire than Edward Sharpe. Really looking forward to their full release in April.