After getting her start with performance art band Sweatheart, Amanda Blank transformed countless collaborations with artists like Spank Rock, Santigold, and M.I.A. into her own debut album I Love You. Adam Young has played under the moniker Owl City since 2007. He self-released two albums, Of June and Maybe I’m Dreaming, before releasing his first studio album Ocean Eyes this year. After causing a stir in the hip-hop community with several mixtapes and their sel-titles EP, the members of Pac Div, also known as Like, Mibbs, BeYoung, and Swift D, are on the wake of releasing their tentatively titled album Grown Kid Syndrome. A quartet from Melbourne, Australia, The Temper Trap, recently released their debut LP Conditions this past spring. The xx are newcomers Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim, who released their debut album earlier in the summer to rave reviews.

Amanda Blank

“Might Like You Better”

Well. Amanda certainly doesn’t use innuendo, that’s for sure. What’s interesting is that even though the lyrics themselves are quite explicit, her image itself is not. She’s not only covered-up, she’s covered in balloons. I’m sort of on the fence about this one. I want to like it. And truthfully, a part of me does. She’s cool and catchy without being overly flamboyant. But another part of me can’t help but think, “Didn’t Missy Elliot already do this with more sophisticated verses?” But overall, the song grows on you and I think Amanda’s future work will help define her sound.

Owl City

“Fireflies”

Please tell me that I am not the only one who is old enough to remember Speak N’ Spell?! I loved that toy when I was a kid. I like how the audience is able to catch a glimpse into the process of how electronica is created. It’s nice to actually see a musician changing between the looped beats and demonstrating how its done. I find the lyrics to this song a bit nonsensical, but the video sort of highlights its dreamy quality with all the childhood toys. Who needs anything to make sense in your imagination? It’s very whimsical and sad.

Pac Div

“Mayor”

Pac Div seem to have an idea that they’re making quite the spectacle of themselves; they’re a little tongue and cheek about their lyrics and most of all humor runs throughout the video. And I like that there is a whole large narrartive built into the song that is continued in the visual. It starts off with a sort of skit to set the scene and the tone. I do get a little touchy about how females are discussed in the lyrics, but I will try and set that aside. At least there aren’t any women grinding all over everything. Just some impressed old ladies. (Their moms? No disrespect!)

Temper Trap

“Sweet Disposition”

For anyone who has seen (500) Days of Summer (and enjoyed it I suppose, but how could you not? Is your heart made of stone?!) than you are most likely predisposed to like The Temper Trap as well, who have become pretty well-known for the inclusion on the movie’s soundtrack. I think what sets the song apart from most usual fare of this nature, is the way the group is able to really control the emotional build-up of the song. They have the superb gift of prefect crescendo. The video does slightly remind me of Passion Pit’s for “Sleepyhead,” what with the silver glitter and all, but it’s charming nonetheless. Ah, how we romanticize the throes of angsty, desperate love!

The xx

“Basic Space”

The xx are the indie-darlings of the moment making the blogosphere rounds. This is a haunting song with a beautifully done video to accompany it as well. The use of light and silhouette are artistic without overwhelming the musicians. They’re used to highlight their sound rather than to detract from it. Overall, the combination of the song and the video’s simplicity are really what make it stunning in the end. The xx have been one of the total suprises of the summer and this video proves all the praise is well warranted.

All the Freshmen Five artists are worthy contenders, so you tell me. Who’s got your vote? Leave comments. I love to hear from you!

Voting runs from 11 AM (EST) Monday until 2 PM (EST) on Friday.