Reno based producer and composer The Light strikes while the iron is hot in 2013 with this stunning arrangement of the title track and Foxes star feature from the much anticipated 2012 Zedd release.
Zedd ft Foxes – Clarity (The Light Remix)The Light 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.5
Canadian band Walk Off the Earth turn out a vibrant indie cover of Asaf Avidan’s “Reckoning Song” complete with a soaring vocal harmony and jivey folk vibe. The five member group (best known for their snappy well-played covers, use of eclectic instruments and clever low-budget videos) went viral this year with a brilliantly understated video for their cover of Gotye’s “Somebody I Used To Know”. The video which features the entire band playing one guitar is one of this years most notable vids. WOTE rounds out a reasonably good 2012 with the release of their R.E.V.O. EP and the recent premiere of their latest video for the EP’s uplifting original track “Gang of Rhythm”. Good stuff. We look forward to hearing more from this multi-talented and refreshingly playful group of rising stars. By Erin Feathers
Walk off the Earth – Reckoning Song (One Day) (Asaf Avidan Cover)WOTE 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.1
Squad Ra Ra Riot embrace the sounds of 2012 on their lead single from their upcoming third LP Beta Love. The updating of the upstate New York band’s sound is not something we’re complaining about though. “When I Dream” can be described as “tastefully crisp” or “thoughtfully polished”, the band’s arrangements and melodic construction also take a step up. First single, check and we’ll be up on the album when it drops in January. Church.
Ra Ra Riot 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.3
The Neighbourhood rule. We are expecting things to get “real major” in 2013. Check out the band’s newest release, the Dave Gahan on the left bank of the Seine if he was really into Teddy Pendergrass sound of “A Little Death”.
The Neighbourhood 
(Tumblr) (Facebook)
Rating 8.4
The b3sci alt country express pulls up to b3sci inbox terminal with beautiful raft of melodies from Caitlin Rose. “I Was Cruel”, from a songwriting perspective, is beautiful. Those melodies are tops. The hooks, subtle yet magnetic. It’s Rose’s soothing vocal though that really gives cause for notice. Look out for Ms. Rose’s The Stand-In LP due on ATO in March.
Caitlin Rose 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4
There is little known about 17 years young Chlöe Howl, but it feels like her freshly minted, “No Strings” could very well set the stage for a big 2013. Oozing with character, Howl’s sound is dialed in and comfortable in a timely skin. This electro pop jam is as much saccharine as it is expletive and it’s no doubt one for your weekly mix.
Chloe Howl 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.4
John Newman offers an intimate solo take on his recent feature from the Rudimental interwebs smash, “Not Giving In”. At the ripe age of 21, it’s an understatement that Newman’s vocal tone and delivery is well beyond his years. Here, with only his piano offering for a spacious setting, Newman tells the melodic story with a noteworthy level of conviction.
John Newman (Facebook)
Rating 8.2
“Letter Of Intent” is the absolutely catchy new synth-pop single by Ducktails (Real Estate’s Matt Mondanile). Previewed from a forthcoming Domino Records release, The Flower Lane, “Letter Of Intent” seems nothing short of a solid indication that this album will be a noteworthy one. The single features Jessa Farkas (Future Shuttle) on vocals, Joel Ford (Ford & Lopatin) playing bass and Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) on the keys. Ducktails hits the road in early 2013 with dates in New York City, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom. By Brian Litwin
Ducktails 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4
Amusement are R&B-informed synthpop via the UK and blip up strongly on the b3sci radars with their latest track, the dreamy “Mural”. The assembled Londoners adeptly employ space and groove in way that lets the track’s potent (and plentiful) hooks breathe and thrive.
Amusement (Facebook)
Rating 8.2
Dream pop duo GEMS drop off their latest, the beautifully melodic “All I Ever”. Recorded in a deserted beach town this past October on North Carolina’s Outer Banks there’s a rhythm, space and consistency to the track that reminds of the steady pulse of waves against an empty beach. Great track.
GEMS – All I EverGEMS 
(Official)
Rating 8.4
New York based singer songwriter Jon Bellion recently dropped a second track from his forthcoming free album Translations Through Speakers via the Visionary Music Group label. “Life” (produced entirely by Bellion) is an infectiously charming track infused with effervescent vocals, a bright harmonic release, and an impossibly catchy sing-song refrain. Check out the accompanying new video by director Jeremy Peel. By Erin Feathers
Jon Bellion – LIFEJon Bellion (Facebook)
Rating 8
French remixers Reflex have produced a gem with their shimmering edit of Shindu’s synth pop track “Just Go”.
Shindu – Just Go (Reflex Remix)Reflex 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4
