Bear's Den

This song.  It's unbelievable, with the perfect balance of plucking banjos and driving rock beat.  I was immediately sold on this English band when I heard this song.  I love the simplicity of it.  While their other music is much less beat-driven and more contemplative/slow, the atmosphere is still similar.  Right now the band has two EPs out, and they are just wrapping up a US tour (playing in Chicago tonight).  I think they will go a long way, though, and they should have no trouble standing out from the many other "bear"-related bands out there at the moment.  Here's another of their really good songs.

Half Moon Run

This Canadian band is blowing my mind; they are one of the most talented and exciting new groups I've come across in the last year.  I've actually been listening to their songs on and off for a couple of months, but for some reason the music only just now clicked and suddenly took over my life.  I heard about them via the California band Brolly, who gave a list of bands they are listening to during an interview.  This song is representative of their style.  There are a lot of similarities with other bands I like; most notably alt-J (with the vocals particularly, and the rhythms and variety of instruments, and also the dynamics - a lot of the songs build to a cool climax), and Portage (the bluesy vocals and the few slightly more jazzy songs).  Here is my favourite of their songs.  Apparently the group has been around for a couple of years; it's sad that I'm just now discovering them.  Do yourself a favour and listen to their one album "Dark Eyes"; you can actually listen to the whole thing on their bandcamp.

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

I've heard a few songs by this band over the past year or so; every time I hear them I'm reminded to check them out in more detail.  They are kind of an alternative-folk fusion group.  Some of their music is a bit country and has too much of a twang for me, but some of their songs are really good.  Check out this one.  Pretty solid.  They are similar to a lot of other bands coming out of Nashville these days, but I really like the style.  I admit they're a bit poppy and sound a bit mainstream, but I still think their bold style and catchy melodies are really good.  Here's another song that's pretty good.  They have a lot of good songs, you should check them out if you like these songs.