The White Stripes and The Black Keys have taken the formula to massive heights, but neither seem to be having as unapologetic of a good time as Chicago's The Van Goghs. Having shared stages with a true mix of genres (from Megafaun's artful Americana to Tin Tin Can's charging, dark indie-rock to The Hounds Below's enigmatic, old-school sound), The Van Goghs' self-proclaimed "American laundry washed in British detergent" can fit any palette, while remaining unique. Mixing a plug-and-play aesthetic with huge nods to 60's guitar-pop acts like The Byrds and the almost symphonic production choices of George Martin, these guys are in a league of their own and coming up fast.

On 2011's Escape of the Jellyfish EP, the band's songwriting chops shine through on the hushed, melodica-laden "Our Best Plans" as well as the sultry "A Big Bang Conversation," with a massive, fuzzy riff giving way to cleaner, yet equally hypnotic verses. "Higher to the Sun" starts with a sonically strong, Kings of Leon-esque build-up, leading into stellar harmonies and a radiant sing-a-long that's almost Kinks-ish in its precision. The ramshackle "Penguino" is a fun, jangly stomper that still manages to cram a few brilliantly-layered vocals in, before swelling into a mess of drums and guitar buzz, ultimately ending in an instrumental flourish a la Pet Sounds. It's stellar stuff from a band whose innocence and massive potential you can hear in every note."

-Jim Hanke