Tunng's fourth album sees them brings us a new line-up, new lyricist and a new approach- leaving behind the 'folktronica' label they were stuck with for so long. With Becky Jacobs taking on the majority of vocal duties, Tunng have elevated themselves to some kind of futurist cross between Kraftwerk and Spiritualized, ending up sounding less like a folk band and more like an acoustic Hot Chip. Excellent.
Midlake - The Courage Of Others (Bella Union)
Released following a hugely-acclaimed UK tour, Texan quintet Midlake release their third album proper, and must surely be steadying themselves for worldwide acclaim. Yet it seems admirably appropriate that the band have taken a different route with 'The Courage of Others'- almost entirely in minor keys, this is a dark, brooding, sublime masterpiece. Referencing 70s prog-folk as much as it does Radiohead, we can't recommend this enough.
Beach House - Teen Dream (Bella Union)
Another album of wide-eyed, epic psyche-pop from the Baltimore duo. Beautiful arrangements and echoing harmonies result in one of the first essential albums of the decade. This, Beach House's third album sees them truly finding their voice, and is likely to be adored by fans of Fleet Foxes, Bat for Lashes and melodic dream-pop in general.
Bullion - Say Goodbye to What (One Handed Music)
Beautifully produced, hook-laden psychedlic pop-funk. This is, without a doubt, going to establish the West-Londoner as one of the top players in his field. Intelligent, modern dubstep that we can't stop listening to.
Husky Rescue - Ship of Light (Catskills)
On the back of the awesome 'We Shall Burn Bright' single, Finland's Husky Rescue release the album they've been threatening to make all along. More moving and poignant than their previous two long players, 'Ship of Light' almost sounds like the record Air looked like they were going to come up with before they lost their way. 2010 looks likely to be the year Husky Rescue achieve their well-deserved breakthrough.
Darwin Deez - Radar Detector (Lucky Number)
Warm, effectual indie pop with an unconventional slant from this New York based singer-songwriter-experimentalist, this debut single is as likely to appeal to your grandparents as it is to the hipster crowd. Utterly original, instantly appealing and entirely charming, you're going to be hearing a lot of Darwin Deez in the future.
Lou Rhodes - One Good Thing (Ninja Tune)
Louise Rhodes, formerly of Lamb, has teamed up with former Lamb bandmate Andy Barlow for this, her third album. With Andy co-writing and producing the record, it makes sense that many moments sound uncannily like Lamb- no bad thing at all- but with a more tender, delicate side which leaves the album sounding all the better.
Black Dog - Vexing Remixes (Soma)
An EP of live tracks and exclusives that aren't going to be on the forth-coming 'Further Vexations' album, The Black Dog present more of their trademark dark, melancholic purist techno for Glasgow's Soma label. Simultaneously dark, murky and brooding, The Black Dog never fail to come up with the goods, and this is no exception.
Bonobo - Eyes Down (Ninja Tune)
Veteran trip-hop producer and Open Ear favourite Bonobo releases his fourth album at the end of this month, but in the meantime treats us to this brilliantly sultry, soulful single. With remixes from Warrior One, Appleblim and Floating Points this couldn't serve as a better advert for the LP, and will be on heavy rotation in our playlists.
Errors - Come Down With Me (Rock Action)
Gorgeously textured and layered to perfection, these ten mind-bendingly brilliant instrumental tracks from the Glaswegian art-rock four piece combine to create what is going to be, without doubt, one of the best albums of the year. A beautiful, soaring record that puts to rest the worry that Errors had peaked with their debut, this is perfect, infectious pop.