8. Korben – Steady Fools - by A.L. Harper

Korben’s sound is what you would expect if the Cranberries had married the Foo Fighters and had children. Chad’s guitar heavy rock riffs coupled with Erin’s smooth, Sarah Mclachlan-esque, folk-chick-singing-rock vocals — with a hint of an Irish lilt — combine to create a sound that is both energising and comfortable. Korben’s angst-ridden, poignant and frequently ironic lyrics are a big contributor to that “something special” that Korben have in overflowing abundance. Korben remind me of a band I loved in college. They practised in their basement flat just off the college campus and had that small-town-kid-pushed-to-far chip on their shoulder. They understood what sarcasm and irony were and I mean they really understood it; not just the definition but they could apply it with deadly accuracy – like the British. This intelligent American-Brit rock should not be missed.

7. Girl In A Coma – Both Before I’m Gone - by Michael Jones

Armed with a moniker that comes from a Smiths’ song, Girl In A Coma have managed to create an album that I’ve come to enjoy listening to — a lot. Filled with unexpected transitions — ranging from Morrissey-esque dreaminess to wonderfully rich punk-rock riffs that ride alongside breezy power-pop ballads — Both Before I’m Gone is an aural adventure that is well worth the price of admission. The best part of this band, though, is that they are sill evolving and seem to be fueled by the need to create great music as opposed to a great image. I like that almost as much as I like their album, I think.

6. Cary Brothers – Who You Are - by A.L. Harper

Brothers’ voice exudes a warm sensuality and romanticism that is absolutely necessary when singing music that is so passionately felt and hungrily listened to. He has filled Who You Are, his full-length debut, with luxurious, sensuous, velutinous music; nothing about this album feels sparse, slip-shod or economical. Stunning in its magnitude and scope, Who You Are has quickly won my heart with its richly textured sounds, creamy smooth guitar, gorgeous synth and honeyed vocals.