Who? Hopeful Monster head Jason Ball began his studio experimentations in rural Nova Scotia, Canada before settling comfortably amidst the Toronto indie scene where he crafts '60s piano-pop throwbacks, building staccato, Zombies-style ditties and updating each with electronic flourishes.

Who? Athens, Georgia transplants and shoegaze journeymen Pacific UV write Sigur Ros-sized symphonic movements that build and swirl with elegant serenity.

Who? With harsh synthesizers, emotive vocals, and a vaguely threatening atmosphere, one could be forgiven for confusing Railcars' buzzy art-rock with the early work of similarly-minded experimentalists Xiu Xiu. That's not a far stretch, though: Xiu Xiu's leader, Jamie Stewart, produced Railcars' debut EP in his kitchen. Journey to the center of primary member Aria C.

Who? No, they're not a supergroup featuring members of the Clinton and Bush families -- that wouldn't make for very compelling rock music (although Bill does plays a mean sax). Instead, U.S.

Who? As the project of singer/songwriter and music teacher Shawn Jones, Austin's the Lovely Sparrows roll tender layers of brass, strings, and woodwinds over a brisk folk foundation.