Post Animal/Paul Cherry/Mapache

Defying all rules of general production, Chicago-based Post Animal has managed to combine ’90s grunge with indie dream pop for a catchy, polished result. Released earlier this year, When I Think of You in a Castle is full of surprises. From the opening song, “Everywhere All At Once,” a full instrumental with a trippy vibe, to the skilled guitar riffs and haunting growl of a spoken word outro on “Heart Made of Metal,” Post Animal proves that less is not always more. (Halle Weber)