A non-hipster’s guide to each band in Laneway Singapore 2013

MANILA, Philippines - January 26, 12 noon. You’re finally with your indie friends at The Meadow but even your chieftain headpiece and neon green socks can’t hide the fact that deep down, you have no clue who the bands even are. Avoid this future scenario with a quick guide on which Laneway Singapore band is which and what their good songs are. — Ralph Mendoza

∆ (Alt-J)

One of 2012’s most praised British alternative indie pop bands. They won a Mercury this year for their debut album “An Awesome Wave” (8/10 on NME). Check out the tracks Breezeblocks and Tessellate.

Bat for Lashes

Pakistani-English synth pop singer-songwriter Natasha Khan is Bat for Lashes, who just released her third album “The Haunted Man” (8.4/10 on Pitchfork) last July. Check out the tracks All Your Gold and Laura.

Cloud Nothings

Cleveland-based indie rock quartet Cloud Nothings just released their third album “Attack on Memory” (8.6/10 on Pitchfork) last January. Check out the tracks Stay Useless and Wasted Days.

Divine Fits

Very 2012. Part Spoon, part Wolf Parade, part Handsome Furs, part New Bomb Turks. It’s the dream collaboration of any Spoon fan, especially with Britt Daniel on vocals. Check out the tracks Would That Not Be Nice and Flaggin’ a Ride from their debut album “A Thing Called Divine Fits” (7.6/10 on Pitchfork).

Gotye

Yes, Gotye’s still alive and he’s an exclusive act for Laneway Singapore 2013. The Belgian-Australian singer’s 2011 single Someone That I Used To Know has reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making him the fifth Australian to do so and the second Belgian. Check out the tracks Eyes Wide Open and I Feel Better from his third studio album “Making Mirrors” (7.7/10 on Pitchfork).

Japandroids

This Canadian rock duo have been around since 2006 and they’re known for their explosive punk/classic rock performances. Check out the tracks Younger Us and The House That Heaven Built from their second album “Celebration Rock” (8.8/10 on Pitchfork).

Kimbra

You can say singer-songwriter Kimbra Lee Johnson is like New Zealand’s indie Katy Perry. Check out her vocal experimentation on the tracks Settle Down and Cameo Lover from her debut album “Vows” (3.5/5 stars in Rolling Stone).

Kings of Convenience

Minimalist folk-pop duo from Norway. They say quiet is the new loud. Relax to the tracks Mrs. Cold and Boat Behind from their third album “Declaration of Dependence” (7.9/10 on Pitchfork).

Nicolas Jaar

American-Chilean house and down-tempo musician Nicolas Jaar is only 22 years old but his debut album “Space is Only Noise” has already received critical acclaim (8.4/10 on Pitchfork). His albums were also ranked number one.

Of Monsters and Men

Just how many Icelandic bands can one listen to? Add Of Monsters and Men. This folky six-piece recall the likes of Mumford and Sons and Arcade Fire. Check out the tracks Mountain Sound and Little Talks from the album “My Head is an Animal” (3/5 stars in Rolling Stone).

Poliça

American indie rock band fronted by the cooly hypnotic Channy Leaneagh, previously from Gayngs. Check out the tracks Violent Games and Dark Star from their first album “Give You The Ghost” (7.6/10 on Pitchfork).

Real Estate

Wildly underrated, relaxed indie pop from New Jersey. They’ve toured with Girls, Kurt Vile, and Deerhunter before. Check out the tracks Easy and It’s Real from their second album “Days” (8.7/10 on Pitchfork).

Tame Impala

Perth-based psychedelic rock band that’s been hyped for years. Check out the tracks Feels Like We Only Go Backwards and Endors Toi from their second album “Lonerism” (9/10 on Pitchfork).

Yeasayer

Brooklyn-based psychedelic pop band Yeasayer is back this year with an album called “Fragrant World” (70/100 on Metacritic). Check out the tracks Henrietta and Longetivity.