Fool's Gold

The approach taken by indie Los Angeles, CA-based collective Fool's Gold is unique, in that they set out to make true Afro-pop (contemporary African pop music, often characterised by chiming lead guitars and awash with lush percussive instances). Naturally, true Afro-pop is sung in another language, something Fool's Gold re-interpreted by singing most of their entire first album (2009's Fool's Gold) in Hebrew. Perhaps it's an attempt at mainstream success that led to the band's second album, Leave No Trace, being almost entirely sung in English (minus "Tel Aviv"). The songs are still as accessible ("Balmy," "Mammal") and many tracks bear more than a passing resemblance to the Talking Heads and the Smiths; it seems likely Fool's Gold are taking aim at a wider audience. Fans of new wave and those looking to expand beyond the recent wave of Afro-pop-inspired indie rock couldn't be more satisfied than turning to Leave No Trace. Pay close attention: Fool's Gold are here to stay.