{PART 1} {PART 2} {PART 3} {PART 5}

Heritage Centre – “The Pros and Cons of Cowardice” {Pop/Rock}

Don’t judge us for being “swooned” by the vocalist’s hypnotic, sexy stare, because this song became an instant favourite of ours as soon as it popped up in our Inbox a few months back. The group has been causing a stir in their Irish homeland since forming in 2008, but hopefully the popularity of their latest album (Alright, Check It Out) will spread overseas as well.

Wild Nothing – “Paradise” {New Wave/Rock}

In the continuation of their neo-indie rampage, Wild Nothing somehow managed to recruit the “indie actress” superstar Michelle Williams to star in this music video. Apparently Williams was asked to choose between three different tracks off the group’s new album, but in the end she choose this one; (because of it’s awesomeness, of course).

HAERTS – “Wings” {Electropop} + Free download

We’ve been patiently waiting to drop-name this song because it’s been a favourite of ours since we first heard it; plus we’ve been noticing it on a lot of other top track year-end lists as of late. If you dig the tune then make sure you like the band on Facebook so you can get its free download.

My Morning Jacket – “Outta My System” {Alternative Rock}

We’ve never really been a hardcore My Morning Jacket fan like the majority of their fanbase, but this song was definitely one of the highlight tracks of our year. Plus an animated Zach Galifianakis makes a wizardry cameo in the video.

FIDLAR – “No Ass” {Surf Punk}

As soon as we heard that FIDLAR would be releasing their debut LP sometime next year, we thought we’d have to wait for a long time before we heard any new material from our favourite LA-based punk band. But turns out FIDLAR is so awesome they decided to delight us with a few new tracks this past year, and the result is nothing short of amazing.

Punch Brothers – “Patchwork Girlfriend” {Bluegrass/Baroque Pop}

The Punch Brothers first got our attention back in 2010 when they performed with actor Steve Martin on David Letterman, (watch the performance here), but their recent EP just goes to show that they don’t need an A-list celebrity to get worldwide attention anymore. The EP (titled Ahoy!) is packed full of so much greatness it was almost impossible to choose one track, so if you dig the tune we highly recommend you check out the rest of the EP as well.

Múm – “Hvernig Á Að Særa Vini Sína” {Alternative Rock}

This Icelandic group has been around for quite some time now, but this past year they decided to treat their loyal followers to a 15-track compilation (Early Birds) which consists of some previous unreleased songs recorded between 1998 and 2000. Translated as “How to Hurt Your Friends,” this lead single showcases some of their finest work to date; (plus the video is a pretty strange watch too).

Clinic - ”Miss You” {Psych Rock}

Fact: Everything this Liverpool-based band touches turns to gold, and this track is no exception. “Miss You” is the lead single off the group’s new album Free Reign, and was apparently written about “someone’s wife being saved by LSD.” It’s just a shame that the song has been overshadowed by its Peaking Lights remix.

The Pictish Trail – “Michael Rocket” {Alt-Folk}

It was the music video that made us take notice to this bearded Scot, but its haunting melodies and psychedelic tendencies eventually won us over. The single is off his new EP The Summer is Empty of Idiots, which he wrote in a caravan on the remote Isle of Eigg in Scotland.

Lost Lander – “Cold Feet” {Pop/Rock}

This is the kind of song that sticks with you after you listen to it for the first time, and it continues to make the rounds in the music blogging world even though it was released back in January. The brain behind the song (AKA Matt Sheehy) is originally from Alaska but recently moved to Portland, and has previously worked with the likes of Ramona Falls, the Menders and Gravity & Henry.

Thieves Like Us – “Maria Marie” {Electropop}

It’s raw. It’s lo-fi. And it’s got a punchy enough bassline – what more could an indie fanatic want in a song? Although this is the first we’ve heard of the European group, they have been building up a solid fanbase over the past few years thanks to their indie pop, disco and post-punk vibes. There’s also a remix of the catchy tune which you can listen to here.

Julia Holter – “In the Same Room” {Experimental/Electronic}

Julia Holter has been listed on a ton of year-end lists in 2012, and even though her recent album Ekstasis has been praised by fans and critics, this track was definitely one of our favs off her highly-acclaimed album. With throbbing synths and light-hearted, layered sounds, the track is the perfect background music for any electronic nerd.

alt-J (∆) – “Fitzpleasure” {Psych/Experimental Rock}

We wouldn’t be true-blue Empire Records fans without giving a shout-out to a band with a cool name; (yes, their name is actually “∆”), and even though their sound may not be for everyone, there’s no denying the impact the group has had on the indie music world this past year.

The Faint – “Evil Voices” {Synth Punk} + Free download

There’s a little bit of synth, a little bit of guitar, and a whole lotta awesome in this track. The tune is off the group’s brand new four-track EP (which is their first release since 2008), and was recorded with the help of Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes. If you dig the song make sure you snag its free download below.

{PART 1} {PART 2} {PART 3} {PART 5}

{Like RMD on Facebook} {Follow RMD on Twitter} {Subscribe to our RSS Feed}
{RMD on Google+} {RMD on Soundcloud} {RMD on Pinterest} {RMD on Tumblr}