Sugarplum Fairies’ Introspective Raincoat Student Music is laid back indie pop that’s slightly anesthetized and reminiscent of Hope Sandoval’s slow style with Mazzy Star. But where it is written that you have to play loud and sing at full voice to be effective? Sylvia Ryder has an alluring voice and knowing lyrics like, "For every habit that I break/There’s another in the make." Along with partner Ben Bohm, they create a melancholy world where even when it’s sunny out, it feels like it’s raining.

Tony Peyser / Mirror contributing writer