Dinosaur Feathers

This Brooklyn act use some of modern indie pop's most common tools—samples, various synths, acoustic guitars, drum machines—yet uses them as the foundation for warm, vibrant music rich with harmony. On 2010's Fantasy Memorial, Dinosaur Feathers finds and celebrates the rare junction of doo-wop and afro-pop. Think a subtropical middle ground between Paul Simon, The Dodos and Brian Wilson. Hell, there are even moments of Boys II Men. Again, the guys in Dinosaur Feathers can sing.

Despite the rollicking percussion and jubilant shouts, Fantasy Memorial isn't as buzzed with joy as it sounds. Rather, as lyricist Greg Sullo told Sputnik Music's Adam Downer, it's a breakup album. The celebratory "I breathe the morning / I breathe the dawn," in "I Ni Sogoma" is balanced with "and without warning / you are gone." Album closer "Sleeping In" drops the smiling veneer from this heartbreak. Still, the abundant singing keeps even the saddest track from sliding into self-pity.

The addition of live drums, to be featured on the upcoming and as-of-yet unnamed second LP, evidences a living, growing band. Having made its first SXSW trip in March, this relatively young band is making inroads, distinguishing itself in a music world increasingly dominated by experimental pop. Indeed, the band has seen positive press from Paste Magazine and The Village Voice. In a display of tenacity and resilience, Dinosaur Feathers requested an interview with the aforementioned Adam Downer only after he bashed their debut. This is the hallmark of a band that doesn't take no for an answer and sounds better for it. —Corbie Hill