World Cafe: Next

Shifting from upbeat tunes to soft-spoken country, hints of '60s soul and subtle pop, Maurus' sweet and rustic voice ties each track together seamlessly. Hear two songs from her upcoming debut EP, Why You Runnin', on World Cafe: Next.

Freelance Whales' dreamy pop is getting a lot of attention, both on the streets and in the blogosphere. The group is often spotted playing on sidewalks, in train stations and at humble New York City venues. Lugging an atypical array of instruments — including the harmonium, banjo, glockenspiel, guitars, bass, drums and the waterphone — Freelance Whales' members make music that's undeniably quirky and fun.

North Hills, the debut album from the L.A. band Dawes, is hardly the first record in recent years to draw comparisons to the work of Crosby, Stills and Nash. But though Dawes evokes a certain amount of nostalgia, that's not the limit of the group's appeal. Taylor Goldsmith's evocative lyrics and the band's elegant indie-folk harmonies both stand out.

The xx, featuring four 20-year-olds from South London, has stormed the indie-pop scene with its dark, '80s-style new-wave sound. After meeting in London's Elliot School, which claims alumni such as Four Tet, Burial and Hot Chip, the band began toying around with what would become its critically acclaimed debut album.

Though the 25-year-old singer-songwriter has been writing songs for only six years, his songs exude wisdom. The 13 tracks on Build Me This weave together themes of spirituality, love and music. As on his debut album, he often turns to sparse and moody atmospherics to draw out the drama.

The group One eskimO is an audio-visual endeavour, and their self-titled debut album includes a full animation. But while their idiosyncratic, self-produced videos are a notable component of their work, the band's expressive music is the heart and soul of the enterprise.

Skillfully combining layers of electric and acoustic guitar, bluesy bass and Petter Ericson Stakee's captivating vocals, Alberta Cross' approach to music is evidently a thoughtful one. Currently residing in New York, Alberta Cross has taken incredible strides to earn global recognition.

David Bazan has always worn his faith on his sleeve. Under the Pedro the Lion moniker, he challenged both Christian and non-Christian communities with honest narratives that revealed previously unspoken truths. But just as he wore his faith, on the new solo album Curse Your Branches, he wears his agnosticism.

Calling Hawthorne "retro" would not be far off, nor would it be the first time the Detroit multi-instrumentalist and producer has heard the label. But Hawthorne's '60s- and '70s-inspired soul sound is more than just a throwback.

The Nashville-based singer-songwriter pens powerful, country-tinged tunes — which both Alison Krauss and Bon Iver know well from having covered her music. Hear music from Siskind's latest album, Say It Louder.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is a young 10-piece indie-folk group that has already earned a fevered following in its native Los Angeles, where its live shows have become legendary. With a percussive sound, an air of good-natured affection and lots of opportunities to clap and whistle along, it's one of America's most intriguing new bands.

Fruit Bats started out in the mid-'90s as a low-fidelity bedroom project for singer-songwriter Eric Johnson, but has grown from there. The group's most recent album, The Ruminant Band, showcases a vintage rock feel, with dusty melodies and beautiful harmonies laid out over a gravelly layer of electric guitar.

Since 2002, The Horse's Ha has featured Chicago scene veterans James Elkington and Janet Beveridge Bean. On their debut album, Of the Cathmawr Yards, they demonstrate undeniable talent and a unique vision. The veterans have found common ground with a somber folk aesthetic and dreamy jazz rhythms.

Led by Swedish songwriter Simon Balthazar, London's Fanfarlo has been winning over audiences for years with their charming brand of indie folk-pop. Their soaring sound and down-to-earth songwriting sensibilities feel familiar and yet very new. The group employs an array of instruments ranging from keyboards and mandolin to horns.

Miike Snow is a band, not a person. Before its eponymous debut album came out in May, the band's identity was shrouded in mystery. Thanks to several promotional singles and remixes, Miike Snow caught fire in the blogosphere. The group combines sleek, modern production with touches of retro sound.

Soul queen Naomi Shelton got her start in her Alabama church choir at age six. She would soon sing her way to the New York funk scene, filling night clubs with her soulful, jazzy style. Now, forty years later, Shelton has released a studio album, What Have You Done, My Brother?

Complete with strings, drums, guitars and bass, Deer Tick is a self-described "rock-rock-rock" outfit with a twist of alt-country and gritty blues, as demonstrated on its latest studio LP, Born On Flag Day.

Sean Hoots and Andrew "Hellmouth" Gray first teamed up in early 2005. Since the release of their self-titled debut in 2007, they've performed steadily and this month released a new album, The Holy Open Secret.

Stephaniesid's latest and third album, Warm People, finds the Asheville band exploring richer textures. Stephanie Morgan's soulful voice combines with the band's upbeat melodies to create a sound somewhere between Bjork and Rilo Kiley.

After building an underground reputation for the mellow, textured sounds of American Analog Set, Texas-based singer-songwriter Andrew Kenny has returned to his native state to work on his latest group, The Wooden Birds. With easy morning melodies, background whispers and lo-fi poetics, Magnolia is simple, intelligent and moving.

A darling of the local scene in Chapel Hill, N.C., Roman Candle evolved near the UNC campus in the late '90s. The band's latest, Oh Tall Tree in the Ear, has touches of lyrical dreaminess, a bit of pop and some North Carolina backroads charm.

Combining Cuban-influenced rumba with elements of soul, blues and reggae, the paraplegic street musicians in Staff Benda Bilili used to perform all over the zoo grounds of the Kinshasa area, attempting to earn money for a living. Along the way, they caught the attention of Massive Attack and Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz.

Growing up in New York, Diana Jones devoured the music of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris. She left home at the age of 15 in search of her roots, and discovered them in the music of the Eastern Tennessee hills. Jones' latest album is Better Times Will Come, a vivid 11-song collection that's biographical in nature.

With layered electronic melodies, freak-folk drones and road-worn personal narratives, the dreamy San Francisco band is led by Jason Quever. His sincere vocals give Papercuts a timeless pop-rock sound, but with an independent twist.