They may be only 17 and have just graduated high school, but they don’t care and you shouldn’t either. With the recent release of the single “In My Bed,” the quintet from Chicago have burst onto the scene like a summer storm and have rained down on us with raw, loud, catchy rock n’ roll. These guys hit my grunge rock soft spot immediately, bringing comparisons of the Black Lips and Harlem to mind.

After listening to additional tracks by the Orwells including “Mallrats (La La La)” and “Who Needs You,” it’s obvious these guys aren’t just a bunch of high school kids in a band – they’re inherently talented and way ahead of the game. Although they can’t get into most venues to play shows due to their age, their following is rapidly growing through the air waves. Be sure to pick up their debut album Remember When due out September 7th if you like what you hear. As always, keep up with the band through Facebook and their official website for any updates.

The Orwells – In My Bed | Mistaken For Strangers

In the past year or so, a handful of artists have been proving a point about marketing. Being mysterious can actually increase your fan base faster than showing all of your cards. If the talent is there, people don’t care who you are. The best example of this is the Weeknd. The Weeknd intentionally remained mysterious and were practically unknown while their fan base grew exponentially all via the powers of the internet. They’ve released all of their EP’s and LP’s for free on their website and have turned to live performances to actually make money. People go see The Weeknd because other people tell them how good they are live. The group sell out every show without really doing anything to promote it, pretty fascinating. Other artists who have followed suit include Lana Del Ray, WU LYF, and most recently The Neighbourhood. (although Lana fell off pretty quickly after the world realized she was completely fabricated).

It’s pretty difficult to get a back story on the guys from Newbury Park, California. If you go their website, there is a link to download their debut EP I’m Sorry that was released this past May – and that’s it. They are rolling the dice with the marketing strategy and I think so far that it’s working. ” Sweater Weather” is by far the best song on the EP. It has a simple drum beat, catchy lyrics, and lead singer Jesse Rutherford has a voice that is sure get people’s attention. They still have a lot to prove, but I think so far they are showing a lot of promise. The band has mentioned they will be releasing more music this year but haven’t listed any specific dates (shocking). Doesn’t look like these guys are coming near DC for their summer tour, but try to keep up with them on their official website and Facebook.

The Neighbourhood – Sweater Weather | Mistaken For Strangers

It’s been just over three years since the epidemic formally known as The xx spread across the globe with the release of their debut self-titled album, bringing jubilation to critics and listeners alike. It’s hard to believe that a year before the album was released the trio consisting of guitarist/singer Romy Madley Croft, singer/bassist Oliver Sim, and producer/percussionist Jamie Smith were still in high school. After finishing up a series of high-profile summer festivals in 2010, the group began working on their sophomore LP Coexist, due out September 11th of this year. The band has mentioned that the new album will have more of a “club music” feel to it, citing the influences of all the partying they’ve been doing the past few years.

In a recent interview with Pitchfork, Madley spoke of the new album’s lyrics staying consistent with old, in that each song is a love song but that there is also a strong focus on the growth and development of the band members together. With the release of the first track “Angels,” you don’t yet hear the house music influences – but the composition is ethereal and infectious like the first album. It doesn’t jump out at you but I think its value, like all of their songs, is in its subtlety. To put it simply: it’s great bedroom music. One of the first responses I read about this song was “I can’t wait to have sex to this album,” so there you go. Enjoy this track for now, hopefully there will be more singles to come in the months ahead. Until then, keep up with the band on their official website and Facebook.

The xx – Angels | Mistaken For Strangers

It took almost a decade for brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall to burst the garage-band bubble and find exposure on a national level. Since the release of the band’s fifth studio LP We Are the Champions in 2011, the duo have been on a steady rise, receiving high praises from magazines (SPIN, PASTE), blogs (Pitchfork, Stereogum), and artists across the map. After playing SXSW last year, the band was approached by and have since collaborated with some of the most influential musicians of this decade (including Ty Segall, Jack White, and Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys). Auerbach is currently producing the band’s sixth LP, Hypnotic Nights, due out later this year.

Jeff the Brotherhood’s grungy infectious sound is full of distortion, subtle melodies, and modest lyrics that are stripped down to single emotions, leaving little to the imagination – but also leaving a lasting impression, creating a desire to hit repeat on most tracks. To get a better feel for their music give a listen to the tracks “Bummer,” “Mellow Out,” and “Stay Up Late” off of We Are the Champions. If you like what you hear, be sure to the check them out this Friday night at Red Palace. Also, keep up with them on Facebook, Twitter, and their official website for any updates on the release of their new album.

Jeff the Brotherhood – Sixpack | Mistaken For Strangers

Passion Pit is one of those bands that seemed to emerge and explode out of nowhere – granted, they formed in 2007 in Boston and released their Chunk of Change EP in 2008, but it was that one Palm Pixi commercial (using “Sleepyhead,” of course) that really escalated them to the stratosphere. 2009′s Manners received almost universally great ratings, based mostly on the heavy synthpop instrumentation and lead singer Michael Angelakos’s high-pitched falsetto singing. With their new track, “Take A Walk,” the band tones all of that back in favor of a lighter pop sensibility that allows Angelakos’s lyrics and singing to push through. Of course, you still get the synthpoppy stomps and beeps, but this time you can sing along without straining yourself. In interviews regarding the writing and recording process behind their upcoming album, Gossamer, Angelakos said that he wanted the past two years of his life to shine through with his words, and it seems like this is a great first step down that road.

Gossamer is due out July 24 and the band is on tour later this summer – including  a performance at the new Firefly Festival in Dover, Delaware. (Did we already mention that we’ll be there?) Until then, check out their official website, Facebook, and Twitter for more updates.

Passion Pit – Take A Walk | Mistaken For Strangers

Take some of the Las Vegas rock stylings of The Killers, add in some of the upbeat pop songwriting and addictiveness of early MGMT, and the outcome is another little band from Las Vegas, Imagine Dragons. After being named the best local indie band for several years in a row by Las Vegas area publications, they’re finally ready for the big time – signing with Interscope last fall, releasing the blistering Continued Silence EP this Valentine’s Day, killing it across the board at this year’s South By Southwest, and then being named one of MTV’s Push Artists of the Week. It’s not hard to see why when you listen to “It’s Time” – the song’s stomping, clapping beat hooks you from the very beginning (take a listen to the impressive live acoustic version as well). The dark video has the band trekking across an empty wasteland in darkness, while storm clouds gather above. Foreboding indeed, but what do you expect from a band that hails from Sin City?

After opening on tour for our own favorite The Jezabels, Imagine Dragon is currently on a tour out west. Look out for them this July though at the newly formed Firefly Festival in Dover, Delaware. We’ll be there, will you? Their Continued Silence EP is available now for download from iTunes. Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for more from this Las Vegas band via their website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Imagine Dragons – It’s Time | Mistaken For Strangers

It’s the tenth anniversary of The Walkmen’s debut album Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than the release of a brand new album. On May 29th, the band is set to release their 7th studio LP, Heaven, which has already caught the attention of critics and fans with the feel-good title track “Heaven.”

The DC natives have been playing together in bands since fifth grade and have credited much of their success to their kinship and their mutual dedication to their music. The Walkmen’s maturation has been a slow and steady climb, from their earlier garage-esque days with songs like “Wake Up” off their debut to warmer and more powerful tracks like “In the New Year” off of You & Me. Just over a year ago, the band was approached by Fleet Foxes producer Phil Ek to make a record together. Without hesitation, the group traveled all the way to Ek’s recording studio in Seattle, recording the majority of Heaven in a small cabin. The band said it was the hardest they ever worked on an album and hope that the results are evident. So far, so good.

A few things I’ve noticed from the few songs I’ve heard from the new record thus far is that the song structure has shifted to more of a traditional format with an intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, etc. Traditionally, most of The Walkmen’s vocals, led by Hamilton Leithauser, are in more of a prose format with less of an emphasis on formula. I don’t think this is a negative aspect in any way, just an obvious modest tweak that may allow for more mainstream exposure. It doesn’t look like the band will be making it back home this summer, but be sure to keep up with them on their official website, Facebook, and on Twitter for any updates.

The Walkmen – Heartbreaker | Mistaken For Strangers

Going on six years now, These United States is one of those folk rock bands that every other folk rock band should try to emulate. They make folk rock the way it’s meant to be – loud, fast, and living, making you happy to be alive and listening (even on a song titled “Dead & Gone”). It’s Americana at its finest with a Southern twang and thumping beat added to the mix. On their new album, the self-titled These United States (due out this June), the band even rounded up some other great artists to help out with the effort, from Deer Tick to Phosphorescent to Jukebox The Ghost. Should be an awesome time for the whole folk rockin’ family.

Their show with Trampled By Turtles this Friday at 9:30 Club is sold out (of course), but you know how to get tickets if you need to. As usual, check out their official website, Facebook, and Twitter to get your fill.

These United States – Dead & Gone | Mistaken For Strangers

Rogue Wave always seemed like one of those solid bands on the verge of making it big – a solid catalog of songs (including one of my favorites about the west coast, “California“), songs being used in tons of movies and TV shows (One Tree Hill, Napolean Dynamite, The O.C., Friday Night Lights, etc.), and comparisons to other big name bands such as The Shins. With their last album, Permalight, released in 2010 and failing to impress critics or listeners, lead singer Zach Rogue formed his side project Release The Sunbird as a way to explore other musical opportunities. With his new EP, Imaginary Summer, he does just that, crafting uplifting folk pop guided by strumming guitars, hopeful vocals, and the addition of a full band to what started as a solo project. Much like with Rogue Wave’s early works, it’s just good solid music that will pick your mood up as you listen.

Release The Sunbird just wrapped up a tour through California with no announced future tour dates, but be sure to pick up Imaginary Summer and check out his official website and Facebook.

Release The Sunbird – I Will Walk | Mistaken For Strangers

Like recent fellow Nordic breakout stars, Of Monsters & Men, I see big things for Terrible Feelings in the future. They have a special blend of infectious power pop paired with gloomy howling vocals that just seems to grab ahold of something deep inside of you. Picture the gothic sounds of Siouxsie & The Banshees paired with upbeat 80′s hair metal pop that makes you want to jump around. The Swedish foursome is just the right blend of the two, a combination that sounds hard enough to pull off in theory that I wouldn’t even want to try it in real life. Luckily for us, Terrible Feelings hits that perfect spot with “Intruders.”

The band is currently on tour in Europe with no word on stateside shows (although they previously toured with bands such as Fucked Up and JEFF the Brotherhood). Their debut album, Shadows, is available now. Fingers crossed that they come this way soon – in the meantime, check out their official website, Twitter, and Facebook.

Terrible Feelings – Intruders | Mistaken For Strangers

Almost nothing was known about Jai Paul when his one and only single, “BTSTU” was released via his Myspace late in 2010, and not much has changed in two years. The mysterious Londoner took a unique approach to capitalizing on the track’s smashing success – he didn’t release anything and has barely been heard from since. That all changed two weeks ago with the release of “Jasmine,” a choppy, dark, sexy, R&B tinged morsel of dream pop. Jai Paul recently signed with XL Recordings, so maybe “Jasmine” is a sign of things to come. If so, it will be completely worth the two year wait.

Check out the infamous Myspace page that started the buzz here, or head over to his Soundcloud.

Jai Paul – Jasmine | Mistaken For Strangers

Here’s something to perk up your Thursday morning. Alex Winston starts things off fast – rollicking drums, hand claps, and background harmonies that immediately grab your attention with their melody. Her unique indie pop meets dusty folk voice is perfect for this gem, quivering with weakness while at the same time bursting with strength. Balancing her voice is the tune itself, upbeat and strutting one second while fading to a slow crawl the next. By the time she gets to the second  ”Goddamn, you’re back again, trying to crawl under my skin,” you’ll be far past hooked (and probably already ready to hit the “repeat” button… a few times).

Alex’s debut album, King Con, is out now, and the whole thing is pretty excellent. She’s finishing up a European tour right now but will be coming to our fair city on April 19 at U Street Music Hall (presented by our friends over at All Things Go, who have been killing it lately with the awesome shows). Be sure to also check out her official website, Facebook, and Twitter (as always).

Alex Winston – Fire Ant | Mistaken For Strangers

I would be remiss not to post this video. Yes, it dropped on Friday (so you’ve probably already seen it). Yes, it’s off Take Care, which dropped last November (obligatory link to our review). But damn if it isn’t a fun video. Featuring Drake’s re-bar mitzvah’ing, champagne bottle popping, chair lifting, cake smashing, and Lil Wayne rapping through a panda mask (pretty much the highlight of any video featuring Weezy ever), it’ll make you want to convert to Judaism yourself.

Drake will be performing the Sunday night of Memorial Day weekend at the Verizon Center as a combination of his Take Care tour and the WPGC 95.5 birthday bash – meaning not only do you get the Canadian himself, but also J. Cole, Waka Flocka Flame, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, and French Montana opening. Not a shabby lineup at all. In the meantime, get your fill via Drake’s official blog and Twitter.

Drake – HYFR (feat. Lil Wayne) | Mistaken For Strangers

I haven’t had anything published on this site in a month. A MONTH! Music changes hourly, and to go an entire 31 days without a post means I robbed you of some excellent new songs, artists, and shows. I know MFS isn’t your only source of music, but if we are to become a trusted source for music, then a lapse like that is unacceptable – and for that, I am truly sorry. So now that I am through wasting even more seconds of your precious time with an apology, I give you the first post from me since forever ago.

SBTRKT had an outstanding album with 2011’s eponymous effort (I seriously dropped the ball with my best of list. Only 5 albums? What was I thinking?). The full length debut was jam-packed with heavy bass and futuristic post-dub production, but one of my favorite tracks was the much more subtle “Hold On.” Utilizing the seldom heard Glockenspiel and tribal drums to build a somber yet powerful track of lost love, the track provides both depth from the London-based DJ and a break from the rest of the album’s dance floor fillers. The video is superb – a dark homage to the wonderful photography of Gregory Crewdson (Google him – he is outstanding) and only heightens the mood created by the track. We just missed SBTRKT here in DC, but make sure you visit his Facebook and sparse website.

SBTRKT – Hold On | Mistaken For Strangers

Let’s get this out of the way up front: NO is not exactly the most Google-friendly band name. Not to mention, there’s ANOTHER band out of Los Angeles going by the name NO (that one just so happens to be a kind of weird alt-pop boy band), it can lead to a bit of confusion. Rest assured, it’s worth the effort to seek them out – from the first note on “Another Life,” the first track on their EP Don’t Worry, You’ll Be Here Forever, you get the feeling that you’re in for something special. The upbeat but steadily droning guitars and drums combined with lead singer Bradley Carter’s steady vocals immediately bring to mind Matt Berninger and The National’s best works. Add to that some great songwriting and you have yourselves the potential for a breakout band – and with the buzz rising on them after shows in LA and at SXSW this past year, you can expect just that in the coming year.

The EP is available now for free download from their Bandcamp. They’re only performing shows out in California for the time being, but I can’t imagine that’ll last for too long before the buzz gets to be too much – check out their official website, Facebook, and Twitter for more information about the band and where you might see them next.

NO – Another Life | Mistaken For Strangers