Kye Kye

I came across this band on a best-of 2013 playlist.  They are a Christian group, but there is a lot of talent.  The musical style is electronic, almost dream wave.  The lead singer is a girl, and her voice sounds exactly like the girl from Daughter.  Check out this song as an example of their work; I really like the layered instrumentation and the crisp percussion.  So far they only have one album out, but they are releasing a second one in a matter of a week or two.  Here is my favourite of their songs.  Their sound is excellent; I'm really looking forward to their new album.

Trent Dabbs

This was another recent noisetrade find.  Trent Dabbs is a singer-songwriter from the South...his music is definitely influenced by country, but it's more palatable than country, with stronger alternative and pop influences.  He has collaborated with an impressive number of well-known artists, and has released eight albums since 2005.  Here's a song that's pretty representative of his work (although on the depressing end of the spectrum).  And another one.  His style of music is definitely up my alley; it's the perfect mix of acoustic intricacy and broad rock music.  If you like the sound, listen to some of his albums.

Amason

I came across this group in a noisetrade mixtape by one of the guys from Jars of Clay...it was supposed to be a collection of his favourite songs from 2013.  I haven't been able to find more than a couple of songs from the group, but thought them still worthy of a post.  This was the song I first heard.  It's catchy, and very interesting musically.  I like the steady, simple background beat.  The chord progressions are not too spectacular, but the melody line is pretty unpredictable and cool.  I think the band is Scandinavian, but I could be wrong about that.  The alternating guy/girl vocals give it a very retro feel.  I will be watching to see if they come out with any new music this year.

Prince of Spain

Sorry it's been a while since I posted anything.  I came across this group on noisetrade recently.  I would classify the music as somewhat folky rock, with prominent guitars and tuneful melodies.  The percussion is also pretty strong and driving; in some ways they remind me of a more melodic and alternative-friendly version of the Lumineers.  You can listen to their one album ("His Magesty", which came out in October) on their bandcamp site.  If you're just going to listen to one song from the album, check out "Rising Sun".  You can see the music video for this song on their noisetrade page.  It's a powerful song, there's no denying it...the simplicity of the guitar work makes it quite intense.  If you like this song, I suggest checking out the band.