Hometown: New York City

Why They Matter: One of SPIN's 10 to Watch in 2010, the band, led by Wesley Eisold, followed up 2009's gripping Love Comes Close with this year's dark love letter to New York City, Cherish the Light Years, which Eisold characterized as a distinctly American reinterpretation of the British sounds (Suede, Siouxsie, Pulp, the Cure) that he adores.

You Should Know: At Coachella, the black leather & wool clad band was able to survive immense heat during a mid-afternoon set and, in the words of SPIN contributor Chris Martins, "did their albums one better, emphasizing live energy over ennui."

LISTEN: Cold Cave, "Villains Of The Moon"

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