5. Locksley – Don’t Make Me Wait - by A.L. Harper

New York-based foursome Locksley’s sound is similar to The Beatles (pre-Rubber Soul), mixed with the Kinks, a bit of The Beach Boys and plenty of the youthful enthusiasm of punk. Fantastic, energetic harmonies and melodies that harken back to the early ’60s but mixed with garage rock guitars, and modern spiky production, creating a sound that is completely addictive. With all the style, substance, and savoir faire of a British rock band, the dynamic magnetism, and brutally hot men of an American rock band mixed with the bygone art of timeless songwriting from the era of Rogers and Hammerstein or Gershwin, Locksley manage to encompass all these things and sound fresh and original.

4. Suffrajett – Black Glitter - by Michael Jones

First things first; should you decide to give in to temptation and listen to this wonderful album by Suffrajett, please be aware that you should probably wear a cup as it is nothing less than a thunderous kick of rock and roll to the nether regions. Hailing from Chicago, Simi and her fellow band mates have managed to redeem my faith in all that is wonderful about swaggering rock and roll, especially when it comes in the form of a female lead singer that could quite easily kick your ass. I love this album.

3. Stealing Jane – Say Something - by Michael Jones

Despite a track-list that boasts only six songs, Stealing Jane’s Say Something manages to indeed say something towards the sheer talent and musicianship that went into its creation. Evolving from a shared love of ska, rock and rhythm and blues, Stealing Jane have managed to channel those various musical styles and their jubilant love of both creating and playing music into just over twenty minutes of pure sonic bliss. Were this a proper album as opposed to an EP — it might well have made it to number one on my own list of favorite albums of the year. Maybe this enthusiastic shout-out will encourage them to get cracking and give us that deeper taste of their talent next time around.