Surrender to the Rhythm

Brinsley Schwarz

Surrender to the Rhythm

1991

Country-Rock

This is the essential compilation from one of the most essential acts of the U.K.'s short-lived pub rock scene. Led by Nick Lowe and named after the band's guitarist, Brinsley Schwarz were roots rock architects of the British pub circuit that developed in the first half of the 1970's.

- Timothy Monger

Charlemagne

Blossoms

Charlemagne

October 30, 2015

Indie Rock

The second EP from the British rock quintet saw them taking steps away from their Arctic Monkeys influence, adding more synths to their songs, already full of infectiously melodic hooks. A short four-songs long, Charlemagne has synth-rock, some funk, full-on psych, and a touching ballad. Heavily buzzed, the group will release their debut LP later in 2016, giving listeners a few months to get onboard.

- Neil Z. Yeung