Elements of post rock, garage and synth-pop round out their music which relies heavily on narrative songwriting.

NPR: These United States: 'First Sight'

On the band's sophomore album, Congratulations, psych-rock and pop continually knock heads without a synth in sight.

NPR: MGMT On World Cafe

The quartet Alt-J, whose "An Awesome Wave" won last year's Mercury Prize as Britain's best album, did much with little on stage as odd two-part vocal harmonies, a gently picked electric guitar, lush synth lines and syncopated percussion coalesced into a distinctive blend that united folk, prog rock, electronica, show tunes and hip-hop.

WSJ: The State of Things | Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival | Jim Fusilli