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At first, Cold War Kids' music seems almost haphazard, but a closer listen reveals the intricacy that gives the California band its distinctive sound. The piano and guitars set each song's mood, ranging from mellow to reckless, and the bass jacks up the intensity at just the right moments.

NPR station KEXP is an influential and innovative cultural force in Seattle and beyond. Kevin Cole — host of Afternoon Show, which highlights new releases, previews, vintage tracks, rarities, B-sides and in-studio performances — compiled this list of notable debuts.

The symphonic poem "Finlandia" by Jean Sibelius has become a deeply felt expression of patriotism for Finns. Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen talks about the origins of the work, and what it means to Finns today.

Emily Haines makes ethereal, piano-driven songs that are dark and gloomy, but utterly infectious. Haines visits Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club with her backing band The Soft Skeleton for a night of music originally webcast live on NPR.org Jan. 10.

Featuring the contrasting vocal talents of Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard, the London band Hot Chip makes catchy, danceable indie-rock that runs the gamut from shimmering pop melodies to harder, techno-inspired electro-rock. Now, after the U.S. release of the group's second album, Hot Chip is capturing attention here, as well.

After changing its name and signing with the high-profile Merge label, The Broken West recorded its full-length debut, I Can't Go On, I'll Go On, for release this week. Brimming with catchy hooks and sweet harmonies, the disc sounds like the stuff from which major breakthroughs are born.

He's an Orthodox Jew who is also a reggae singer. And if some of his songs sound like prayers, you're not far off. Meet Matisyahu, a singer exploring his spiritual side through reggae. This year, he's performing several concerts at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City to celebrate Hanukkah.

On her first solo album, Knives Don't Have Your Back, Emily Haines writes stripped-down folk songs that sound as catchy as they are doomstruck. The Metric singer purges personal and political demons through dark, minor-key melodies and glorious arrangements.

The Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith upholds a songwriting tradition that earns him critical praise and awards, if not chart-topping hits. His latest album, Time Being, finds him reflecting on getting older and appreciating what's precious.

Justin Roelofs' esoteric new album, while showcasing remarkable instrumental prowess, also sounds largely experimental by tinkering with a wide range of sounds