Top 10 bands for indie rock fans at Hopscotch

RALEIGH, N.C. — There's a little bit of something for everyone at Hopscotch Music Festival, but here are our top 10 picks for all the indie/rock fans out there.

Wolf Parade - Wolf Parade is one of the more anticipated acts of this year’s festival. They went on a hiatus back in 2011, but released a new album in January of this year. Rumor has it that they haven’t missed a beat (literally) since their return to touring, and you can’t even tell they took a five-year break. You can hear inspiration from a lot of artists in their music, but lead singer Spencer Krug gives serious Bowie flashbacks.

Mutoid Man - If you’re looking for a band that’s just enough metal, but still brings a Classic Rock feel, Mutoid Man is a great place to start. This band combines all the heavy guitar and drums you get from metal, with a surprisingly smooth voice from lead singer Stephen Brodsky. Listen to “Sweet Ivy” and “Bleeder” to see what I mean.

The Coathangers - Check out this female-led punk rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. Expect their usual high-energy show to be even more elevated at Kings. Their lyrics are incredibly vulgar but still playful. Listen to Nosebleed Weekend, their newest album and make sure to give “Squeeki Tiki” a listen to discover out what it sounds like when you use a dog toy as an instrument.

The Snails - The Snails are the type of band that reminds us what Hopscotch is all about. It’s an experimental music festival meant to introduce new styles of music (and sometimes never been seen on-stage antics). This band is by no means perfect, but what they lack in polish they make up for in fun. The music is light-hearted and upbeat. Bonus: band members sport snail heads during their set. Because why not?

A Giant Dog - This band out of Austin, Texas creates a cool rock sound with harmonies and riffs that take over full songs. Lead singers Sabrina Ellis and Andrew Cashen give a cool male/female balance to the usual solo “lead” singer role. Check out “All I wanted” and “Creep” for their insane layering and energetic harmonies.

Carseat Headrest - This band will bring you pure Indie Rock joy. They deliver a solid mix of lyricism and angst, the perfect formula for a rising Indie band. Listen to “Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales.” Each single on their album, “Teens of Denial,” is catchier than the last. You’ll have a hard time getting their songs out of your head as you head to the next show.

Adia Victoria - This solo lady mashes up a mix of blues, rock, country, and folk, and makes it all work. Listen to “Dead Eyes” and “Stuck in the South” to see why she should be the next (even better) Elle King. Add her cool sound to the fact that her lyrics are bold and unapologetic, and you have all the makings of a fun and energetic show.

Beach House - Beach House, a pop band out of Baltimore, is headlining Friday night in City Plaza. This show should not be missed. Expect a synth-heavy set out of this duo. The ethereal, keyboard-heavy sound will be perfect in the open venue that is City Plaza. Victoria Legrand and Alex Skally have been playing together for more than 10 years, giving them a leg up on some of the newer artists. With a history that long, I expect they’ll be in perfect sync.

Promised Land Sound - I had to add these guys to the list in one form or another, because they bring pure and unadulterated “chill.” They may not be as punchy or energetic as some of the other acts, but the musical ability is there and the music itself is stellar. Check out “She Takes Me There” and simply listen.

Maiden Radio - Maiden Radio is more bluegrass than indie/rock, but a few of their songs toe the line. Their perfect harmonies and banjoes are too lovely to not be included in this roundup. Just listening to these ladies is mesmerizing. Expect their show to take it to another level.