Headlights

The Champaign, Illinois, trio Headlights rose from the ashes of Parasol recording artists Absinthe Blind — and have quickly established themselves as indie-pop darlings alongside similarly sounding peers Stars and Mates of State. The band may have borrowed the title of their debut disc, Kill Them With Kindness, from the Jealous Sound, but the album mingles orchestral arrangements with strong pop sensibilities to create a sound that's all their own. If you're a fan of Death Cab for Cutie circa There's Something About Airplanes (or just looking for an alternative to whatever esoteric act Pitchfork is hyping this week), we recommend giving Headlights a chance to shine.