After a fairly sparse couple of months in terms of album releases May explodes back into life with a deluge of great releases, chief of which is Daft Punk's first album of new material in nearly eight years (if you don't count the soundtrack they did to Tron: Legacy, that is) and it's arguably the most anticipated music release of the year. Elsewhere, May will also see releases from the likes of The National, Laura Marling and Deerhunter giving the month a distinctly indie music flavour.
Deerhunter - Monomania - 3rd May
Deerhunter's 2010 release Halcyon Digest was one of the best records of that year, in our opinion, so you can imagine our excitement that Monomania - the band's sixth studio record - is finally knocking on the door after a three year wait. Record with the help of a new bassist, Josh McKay, Monomania sees the band again use the services of producer Nicolas Vernhes who was at the helm of their 2008 breakthrough Microcastles. Singer Bradford Cox has promised that the album will be their most avant-garde yet and, coming from a band like Deerhunter, that's quite the statement.
Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City - 10th May
In what is their most Twilight-sounding album yet, Vampire Weekend will bare their teeth for the third time when their new album Modern Vampires of the City is released in the middle of May. The band's second album, 2010's Contra, divided a lot of the fanbase they had acquired from their self-titled debut (we love both, it has to be said). Vampire Weekend are among the acts who will play this summer's Longitude festival, so you will have your chance to test-drive the new material in Marlay Park.
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories - 17th May
Is there a more anticipated album this year than Daft Punk's Random Access Memories? The French electronic duo's newest album has been the subject of almost unprecedented hype, expertly promoted and marketed online with the help of teaser trailer and clips in the run-up to the album's release. Judging by the reception of the first single 'Get Lucky', Random Access Memories will likely be one of 2013's most defining albums.
The National - Trouble Will Find Me - 17th May
The velvet-voiced Matt Berninger and The National return with a new album - their sixth - in May, called Trouble Will Find Me. The Brooklyn based band are no strangers to an Irish stage either, with three shows already confirmed on our island before the end of the year. The National's last album, 2010's High Violet, proved to be such a success that it ushered the band forth from indie adoration to a more mainstream appreciation, what with their music being featured in TV ads and all. Who knows what'll happen once Trouble Will Find Me hits the shelves..?
Laura Marling - Once I Was an Eagle - 27th May
Once I Was an Eagle is Laura Marling's fourth album and it's still surprising to note that she's unearthed such a mature discography and body of work for someone so young. Still just 23 years old Marling has consistently displayed a keen eye and an assured voice (figuratively and literally) and will surely be celebrated among the best voices of our generation when all is said and done.
