Band of Skulls

The gritty Southampton, England, trio Band of Skulls craft bluesy and ballsy slabs of atmospheric indie rock that echo the work of contemporaries like the Kills and the Black Keys. Formed by Russell Marsden, Emma Richardson, and Matt Hayward while attending college, the band (originally called Fleeing New York) recorded a remarkable demo in 2008. That record and a ferocious live show earned a wildfire-swift buzz and by the following year the act was one of the most talked-about bands in rock 'n' roll.