Middle Kids, Duncan Fellows

Propelled by shout-outs from Elton John, Aussie trio Middle Kids rode the festival circuit behind anthemic indie charmer “Edge of Town.” A 2017 EP showed off Hannah Joy’s forcefully earnest vox, matched by hyper, tumultuous rock backing. Latest Lost Friends achieves an ambitiously big sound via country-tinged enthusiasm. Locals Duncan Fellows begin with playful indie-pop from debut LP Both Sides of the Ceiling. – Rachel Rascoe