Editors

This new indie rock band from Birmingham, England, has just released their debut album The Back Room in the UK and in much of Europe this week. Even though it is only available on import in the US, it is well worth the $25 or so that it might cost here. As expected from the strength of their earlier dark, visceral singles 'Munich' and 'Bullets,' The Back Room is an impressive debut, which recycles some of the best classic 80's-alternative influences such as Echo & the Bunnymen, the Chameleons and, yes, Joy Division, with aggressive drums, passionate melodies, abrassive vocals, atmospheric shoegazing layered guitars, and an excitement and flare that turn them into the British answer to Interpol and make for a mesmerizing listening experience.
Editors' current single 'Blood,' with its edgy, powerful high-pitched guitar line and its wonderfully infectious, beautiful chorus "Blood runs through your veins, that's where our similarity ends," is easily their best yet, but the album includes other remarkable tracks such as the slow-burner epic 'Camera' or, most notably, the majestic and poignant 'Fall.'

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Read "chk-chk-chk," you know, this is the name of the Sacramento-by-way-of-New York post-punk/disco-funk collective who stormed the clubfloors two years ago with their excellent, classic single 'Me and Giuliani Down by the School Yard (A True Story),' and who released their much-anticipated album Louden Up Now last Summer to lukewarm reviews. They are now back with a delicious cover of the Mag Fields' classic 'Take Ecstasy with Me.' Perfect for a warm Summer late afternoon, no?

The Magic Numbers

The Magic Numbers is a multi-national quartet, formed by two pairs of siblings from London and New York, who have just released their first, eponymous album. The perfect soundtrack for this summer and one of the best debut albums released this year so far, The Magic Numbers is a remarkable collection of refreshing, laid-back, classic guitar pop songs drenched in hippy lyrics, dreamy three-part harmonies and sunny guitar riffs. Their first single is the memorable 'Forever Lost,' already a minor hit in the UK and a strong candidate for song of the year. Check out its lovely, half-animated video.