Fanfarlo, School of Seven Bells, Alex Winston [week's Top Releases]

Featuring music that spans the indie pop spectrum, this leap year week’s new albums are definitely a bit on the eclectic side. From the 80s-tinged sounds of School Of Seven Bells, Ava Luna and We Have Band, to the more gleeful Alex Winston and folk-pop Fanfarlo, this is a great opportunity to explore some on-the-rise bands.

Replicate – Fanfarlo // Buy

Rooms Filled With Light keeps Fanfarlo’s (@fanfarlomusic) orchestral style intact, but infuses it with retro elements and touches of synth, taking this album in a different direction than the band’s debut. The record is already getting high marks in the blogosphere, and with comparisons that range from Win Butler and David Byrne to New Order, this album is now a “must listen” for me. Fanfarlo is doing a brief tour in March (including Webster Hall next week), along with SXSW.

The Night – School of Seven Bells // Buy

It’s been nearly two years since School Of Seven Bells (@sviib) released an album, but Ghostory, the follow up to Disconnect From Desire, follows suit with their signature sound of dreamy shoegaze-infused pop. Along with this new album comes a new lineup of members — what was once a trio is now a duo, featuring guitarist/producer Benjamin Curtis and vocalist Alejandra Deheza. Like their previous albums, Ghostory incorporates strong 80s influences into their already enigmatic sound; however, this is a concept album that tells the story of a girl, Lafaye, and the ghosts that haunt her.

Last year, Alex Winston’s (@iamalexwinston) two EPs, Sister Wife (which was our EP Of The Year) and Velvet Elvis, gave us a strong introduction to this Detroit native’s soulful yet contemporary pop sound. Her debut LP release, King Con, carries over the most memorable tracks from both EPs, along with some new songs that show off Winston’s strengths. King Con is an easy-to-love album with plenty of catchy hooks, jubilant instrumentals, and ironic lyrics. If you haven’t yet gotten into Alex Winston, now is the time.

After two self-released EPs, seven-piece project Ava Luna (@avalunaband) is releasing a full-length debut, Ice Level. Repeatedly likened to TV On The Radio meets Dirty Projectors, their sound is minimalist yet filled with dense vocal harmonies and eccentric instrumentation. Said to be a truly unique musical experience, Ava Luna obviously delivers, having already toured with bigger indie names such as Toro Y Moi and Twin Sister. We’re likely to see these guys much more in the coming seasons and hopefully on some festival circuits.

Watertight – We Have Band // Buy

Ternion is the second LP for three-piece, UK-based We Have Band (@wehaveband). A strong demonstration of growth from their debut, the album incorporates a wider array of accompanying instruments to their synth-heavy sound. Equally weighted male and female vocals add to this mix and expertly balance out their vibe of contemporary pop.