Cursive is a true genre-definer. The Omaha-based band has explored a post-hardcore sound and its fringes since the mid '90s, a precursor to what would become popular in the years to come. Longtime members of Saddle Creek Records (Bright Eyes, Land of Talk), they're back with their seventh release "I Am Gemini," a highly conceptual affair which still manages to pull in new listeners alongside their veteran fans.

The Joy Formidable has been around for five years now, but it wasn't until 2011 that they released their debut album. Building upon the steady buzz they received with their EP "A Balloon Called Moaning," they've since gone on to play late-night television, appear on film soundtracks and gather accolades from some of alternative rock's most iconic acts like Garbage and Foo Fighters.

Growing up in London, Ben Howard had two loves: surfing and music. Very rarely are people able to make their hobbies into a fulfilling career, but it looks like Ben Howard is on his way to making it a reality.

Duluth native Alan Sparhawk has proven that volume doesn't have a limit. His assembled team under the guise of Retribution Gospel Choir provides a striking stylistic departure from the songs he has helped compose as a member of Low. Driving guitars wash over slow-churning rock anthems - it's the perfect way to decompress after a long day.

Philadelphia's G. Love has been steadily cranking out his unique style of ramshackle hip-hop blues for two decades now, both with his backing band Special Sauce and solo.

Chastity Brown has been absent from Minnesota for a little while, but there's a good reason for it. Knoxville born and raised and a Minneapolis transplant, the inspiration for her latest album "Back-Road Highways" largely came with her roots. Tennessee and the South in general have helped shape Brown's newest sound, one which pushes her into new territory, both lyrically and instrumentally.

Lizzy Grant's Lana Del Rey persona may be new to the broader world, but she's been singing for years and even released an album prior to 2012's already controversial "Born To Die." With her quick rise-to-fame came stringent criticism, throngs of battling publications looking for their next angle, and a warring music community.

As one of the signature bands of the influential local Moon Glyph record label, Food Pyramid has seen its fanbase grow steadily since the release of their trio of cassette tapes starting in 2010. Gathering a pool of national accolades over the years as a result, this young trio (with a cast of rotating guest musicians) is about to celebrate further with the release of "Mango Sunrise," their first proper full-length.

Coming up with songs for a 10th album after playing nearly two decades together might sound like a daunting task for many bands. For the Honeydogs, it took less than a week to put together an album full of worry, pain and hope.

Emeli Sande knocked us out last March, and we're re-airing her session in anticipation of her show at the Varsity Theater, Jan. 23.