Sleigh Bells – Treats (May 11, 2010, NEET/Mom + Pop)

Of all the new bands I have heard in the past year, there is not a single group I am more certain will breakout in a huge way than Sleigh Bells. Utilizing an irresistible combination of lo-fi noise and hip-hop, they are arguably music’s best-kept secret right now. Their CMJ gig last fall was attended by none other than M.I.A., who proceeded to sign them to her label (NEET) as well as tab them for production duties on her upcoming release. After a much-talked-about South By Southwest gig, their opening gigs with Major Lazer and Yeasayer and props from virtually everyone with ears in the alternative music world, their debut is hotly anticipated. Stay tuned.

LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening (May 18, 2010, DFA)

James Murphy returns for what has been speculated to be his last album under the LCD Soundsystem moniker. His dance-punk chops well-honed from founding the DFA label, and with two critically-lauded albums under his belt, expectations are sky high. Murphy reportedly gathered his band in L.A. and had them live the party life, quasi-cult style: everyone dressed in all white, partying every night.

Lead single “Drunk Girls” definitely shows the influence of their, ahem, preparation. Let the party begin.

Wolf Parade – Expo 86 (June/July 2010, Sub Pop)

The members of Wolf Parade are some of the busiest people in Indie Rock.

Dueling songwriters Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug actively contribute to three other groups outside their WP obligations, and this will be the first proper Wolf Parade album since 2008’s “At Mount Zoomer.”

What to expect?

Boeckner will bring his best working man anthem/dirty blues, while Krug will be sure to make everything as epic as humanly possible.