Band of Skulls

Band of Skulls are a U.K.-based rock trio that messes with categorization, hopscotching from classic rock to garage rock to post-punk and more; they even manage to sound like Fairport Convention at times. Meanwhile, their songs have been used in a Ford Mustang ad, The Twilight Saga: New Moon and Friday Night Lights. Their critically acclaimed 2009 debut, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey, is as substantial, assured and nearly as effective as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' first record. Decidedly more in line with fellow new school blues rockers the Black Keys, Band of Skulls have yet to be swallowed by the hype machine that has pushed them into the mainstream.