2013's Most Impressive Albums People Should Be Talking About Part 2

Here's the next 5 albums of the year. Again, I'm going more by time they were released than how much I liked them.  No point in quantifying it. 

Band: The Joy Formidable

Album:  Wolf's Law

It's funny how you sort of forget what was released this year with albums that come out way early in the year.  The Joy Formidable dropped Wolf's Law back in January and is most definitely one of the year's most compelling albums.  The lyrics have great weight and the music just rocks.  I liked their previous album but this one just knocked it out of the park.  Their entire album is on The Joy Formidable YouTube channel.  

Band:  On An On

Album:  Give In

On An On created one of the year's best pitch perfect debut albums.  I'm actually surprised Give In wasn't a bigger album with their two melodic singles "The Hunter" and "Ghosts."  It is puzzling why this album hasn't gotten more love.   This album reminded me a bit of Band of Horses but more upbeat.   

Band:  Palma Violets

Album:  180

180 is one of those albums that just ages well.   Palma Violets have a more raw rock sound that just takes away any generalization about their sound or time frame of this album's release date.  I don't watch Grey's Anatomy but it seems like "Best Of Friends" played on that show.  Hopefully, that will bring more exposure their way because this album is rock solid as they come. 

Band:  Foals

Album:  Holy Fire

I spoke highly about Holy Fire earlier in the year and by this point these guys have become a success story.  Glad they got some recognition and play time on the indie radio stations in 2013.  They were complete unknowns until the release of this album here in the States.  

This album has it all.  Fantastic musicianship meets catchy songs like "My Number" to create one of the year's must own albums.  I'm really disappointed I couldn't catch them live and changing that on their next tour.  "Bad Habit" was my personal favorite song from Holy Fire. 

Band:  Strange Talk

Album:  Cast Away

Cast Away is a must own for any indie dance music fan.   Strange Talk pack this album with some of the year's best dance music.   If their song "Wanted" doesn't get your out of your seat, then I can't help you, man.  You can definitely hear the "Thriller" vibe in the backbone of this song but who cares, it's great.  I wanted to post "Wanted" below but the version off YouTube sounds pretty horrible.  "Climbing Walls" is their latest single from the album and on their YouTube channel.  Meaning, great sound quality and a solid song from Cast Away.