Yeasayer/Reptar

Yeasayer once went on a tour with the likes of MGMT, Man Man and Beck, and if you were having any trouble deciphering what kind of band they are, it’s safe to say that knowing this will either explain everything or confuse you further. Need another hint? To promote the release of their latest album, last year’s Fragrant World, the band decided to initially forgo the digital route by mailing (by snail mail) copies of the first single, “Henrietta,” to those in their fan base. They then streamed the album to fans who were able to decipher the clues given by the band for an online scavenger hunt. Their newest music is as interesting as its marketing strategy, too. “Henrietta” is driven by a few really sharp synth melodies, while the offbeat instrumentation on “Fingers Never Bleed” is an innovation in what it means to be both the perfect soundtrack for a game of “paddy cake” and what it sounds like when an ally cat’s cry is auto-tuned. (Jacob DeSmit)