Art Brut Essentials

"Yes, this is my singing voice. It's not irony!" shouts awkward-yet-commanding Art Brut frontman Eddie Argos on "Formed a Band". It's a moment that defines these irreverent indie upstarts. Formed in London in 2003, Art Brut are best known for Argos's enthusiastic, sometimes embarrassing, and uniformly hilarious candid commentary set to a post-punk soundtrack. But whether it's walks of shame, grammar-school crushes, or worship of The Replacements, it's their heart-tugging earnestness that makes Art Brut a cut above their peers.