The Mercury Music prize nominations were unveiled yesterday, and there were some curious choices. Obviously, I’m completely biased as my favorite record of the year by a mile, Jessie Ware’s Devotion, is among the nominees. But going through the list I noticed Alt-J, a band I equate more to music promotion emails then actual music. Yet, one look at its website and you’d think this was the biggest band in the world.

The band’s U.S. tour is almost all sold out and its record hasn’t even dropped here (though it has been streaming online for quite some time). For those not in the know, Alt-J (named after the shortcut on the keyboard to make a triangle shape) is a four-piece that makes “deep” and “brooding” experimental pop music that burns fires in the hearts of the British press (see the NME’s glowing reviews).

Today’s song of the day, “Tessellate,” is a foreboding piano-driven track helmed by Joe Newman’s gravelly vocals and a lyric about triangles being his “favorite shape.” If you enjoy this, then try to find tickets online to the band’s Rock and Roll Hotel show this Saturday. You’ll have to consult with Craig, because it’s sold out.

Tessellate by alt-J

Alt-J plays this Saturday with JBM at the Rock and Roll Hotel. Tickets are somehow sold out.