Cambridge, UK  based three piece band Alt-J got their name from the symbol generated (a triangle, essentially) when you hold down the alt and J keys on a Mac. Guitarist and bassist Gwil Sainsbury notes, “The symbol has a deeper meaning for the band… in mathematical equations it’s used to show change.” For him, it’s significant because ithe endeavor came at a “turning point” in the band members’ lives.

Their sound fuses a Southwest US style bass and guitar with elements of folk. There’s more than a little bit of Yeasayer and Radiohead’s style – and a bit of their inventiveness and experimental nature, too. (Indeed, they are often categorized as “British Experimental Rock,” so there you go.) Their recent album, An Awesome Wave, came out this past May 28. Here’s a few assorted selections from the LP: definitely some of the best independent rock out there.

Tessellate is, according to the band, “about the lingering of an old flame and the physical intimacy shared with that particular individual.”

Tessellate by alt-J

“Something Good” documents the death of a matador.

Something Good by alt-J

In the songwriter’s words: “‘Dissolve Me’ is about the bedtime routine I had as a child with my mum – she would play this game in which she would describe a day out to the beach.”

Dissolve Me by alt-J

Taro is about two war photographers and lovers, Robert Capa and Gerda Taro.

Taro (includes hidden track ‘Hand-Made’) by alt-J