Alice Texas

If "shadowy rock" were a proper sub-genre, this would be a great example. Like the vaguely country, ethereal goth rock of Mazzy Star, injected with some of the passion (and tempo) of Rid of Me-era PJ Harvey, Alice Texas serves up utterly earthly, heartbroken tales with a solid guitar backbone. Abetted by the Go Betweens' Robert Vickers on bass, and drummer Jim Sclavunos, who played with Nick Cave and Sonic Youth, this is a solid debut that whets the appetite for the next instalment. If you're convinced by that Southern accent, though, check out the address.