Brolly

I honestly can't remember how I came across this band...it was just a few weeks ago, too!  They are an unknown alternative rock group from northern California, but extremely talented.  Check out this live video of one of the songs from their EP.  Apparently you can download the entire EP for free on noisetrade.  The music sounds like a cleaner version of early Coldplay to me, with simple but excellent guitar work.  Here's my favourite of their songs; I love the simplicity of the guitar.  The band members all seem really young.  I hope more people discover them and they start getting some traction in the next few years.

Donora

Donora is an American indie pop-rock group from Pennsylvania...I had never heard of them until recently.  The style of their music is very poppy, but the lead singer has an awesome voice and the harmonies are really good.  The backing instruments are also excellent (especially the bass).  Some of their quieter songs sound a bit like The Narrative (a good thing).  Here's a video for one of their songs; a typical example of their music.  They also have a few songs that are a bit too ridiculous and cutesy for my taste.  Like this one...although the hula-hooping in that video is completely mad.

Inouwee

I came across this Danish group purely through their initiative using social media (weird)!  They followed me on twitter, and I generally try to check out the music of groups or individuals that take the time to do that.  It's actually not a bad publicity strategy.  Their music is quite interesting; I would call it a pleasing mixture of rock and electropop.  The girl has a great voice, and the instrumentation is pretty forward-looking and melodic on most of the songs.  This song is what initially intrigued me...I love the mellow mood and simple guitar riffs.  Then I heard this song You, which is a bit more electronic and beat-driven (although still pretty chill).  It's extremely creative in my opinion, and will get profoundly stuck in your head.  I think the group has a lot of potential.

Portage

Portage is a folky rock group out of northern Minnesota; the style of music is interesting, with a large combination of instruments and creative transitions.  The vocals are kind of soulful and bluesy.  The closest-sounding other group I have heard is Wake Owl (incidentally out of nearby Winnipeg), although Portage is louder and less contemplative and acoustic.  It took a few listens for their recent album, "Landings", to grow on me, but I think it is a significant improvement from their earlier album.  It uses a lot of cool piano riffs, and some nice variations in dynamics.  You can stream their music on their bandcamp site.  If you like some funk, check out the track "Down to the Floor"...normally I don't like that influence, but it works well with this song.

Everything Everything

I don't know where to begin in describing the English rock band Everything Everything.  They have gained quite a following in the UK and in the US in the last few months.  Their style is quite poppy, but at its core the music is rock.  The lead singer has a very interesting voice...I don't know how to describe it other than that it always sounds like it's on the verge of breaking.  Check out this video.  Can I just say, before I comment on the music, that the black dude is RIPPED OUT OF HIS MIND.  The song is extremely catchy; the central chord progression is quite compelling in my opinion.  Their other music is similar in character, although less immediately catchy in general.  If you like somewhat playful rock with cool chord progressions, I recommend checking them out.

Purity Ring

Purity Ring is a guy/girl duo that does dream wave-type pop music; you either love it or you hate it.  This video gives you a good taste of the style.  The beats and music are highly electronic, but it works really well with the girl's voice.  Sort of like a mellower version of Sleigh Bells.  It's impossible to discern any rational thought in the lyrics, but I don't think that detracts from the music at all.  Here's another example.  Their music videos take bizarre to a new level...they are among the weirdest pieces of film I have ever seen.  It's hard to argue against how cool and catchy some of their songs are though. They are worth checking out if you are willing to explore this type of music.