Paste Magazine has compiled its list of the 20 best new bands of 2010, focusing on fresh discoveries that captured attention throughout the year. The selections highlight emerging acts from diverse locations, including the United States, Sweden, and Australia, spanning genres like indie rock, folk, and pop. Topping the list is London's Mumford & Sons, praised for their folk-infused energy and rapid rise.
Paste Magazine's annual roundup celebrates bands that emerged as favorites in 2010, defined as those not closely followed in 2009 and recognized as Best of What’s Next during the year. The list emphasizes the thrill of discovery, with acts blending influences from folk, garage rock, and orchestral elements into unique sounds.
Starting at number 20, New York City's Cults features Brian Oblivion and Madeline Follin, who formed in February and released their debut single on Gorilla vs. Bear’s label. Follin noted the challenge of moving beyond internet buzz: “It’s hard to get out of that hype of being an Internet buzz band, and to actually make a name for yourself.” Their full-length was slated for January 2011.
Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg of First Aid Kit, at numbers 19, drew from American folk traditions on their debut album The Black and the Blue, released in May. Johanna Söderberg described their inspiration: “The stories that they tell are usually tragic, horrible stories of murder and madness and greed... I think we’re really inspired by that combination of beautiful harmonies and beautiful melodies and really sad lyrics.”
Other highlights include Brooklyn's Frankie Rose & the Outs at 18, known for dreamy post-punk; Memphis's Magic Kids at 17, with childlike pop orchestration; and Los Angeles's Best Coast at 16, crafting beachy sonic diaries. The list progresses through acts like Givers from Lafayette, Louisiana, and Chicago's CoCoComa, culminating in the top five.
At number 4, Freelance Whales from Brooklyn weave whimsical tales on Weathervanes, with frontman Judah Dadone sharing childhood ghost stories as lyrical influences. Suckers at 3 produce anthemic pop from Brooklyn, while Sleigh Bells at 2 blend distortion and pop vocals. Number 1, Mumford & Sons from London, topped with their debut Sigh No More, blending English and American folk. Bassist Ted Dwane admitted the band's touring prowess: “Touring is something I do really well.” The album went platinum in the U.K. and double platinum in Australia, with frontman Marcus Mumford reflecting on themes of redemption: “It’s a process that’s so normal for everyone, the process of... being a dickhead and then trying to go about fixing that.”
This list aims to guide readers toward new favorites, excluding solo artists and focusing on collective breakthroughs.
