So as we enter into the second half of 2013 and into Summer (yes it is finally here!) we've compiled a list of the 10 Best Albums of 2013 So Far. Some are Great Escape alumni, some are fresh on the scene and off the stage from TGE13 but all are great! Here goes...

BASTILLE - Bad Blood (March 2013)

Opening with the explosively epic "Pompeii", the album continues to pound out hits such as the nostalgic "Things We Lost in the Fire" and the ethereal "Overjoyed". "Flaws" is a beautiful celebration of imperfection and humanity, it is an award to what the band has achieved so early in their musical career. B?stille's No. 1 album Bad Blood is a testimony to the presence and success that synthpop has now.

Sounds like... Foals merged with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, providing the soundtrack to "The Lion King".

JAGWAR MA - Howlin (June 2013)

Madchester rock is still strong on the scene as Howlin leads the way for 90s guitar/dance fusion. Although Jagwar Ma have made this sound their own, there is a bright red thread running through this album which screams "HAPPY MONDAYS'! With floaty vocals, psychadelic synths and jungle breakbeats prominent in songs like "Four" you can hear other influences from Goldfrapp in "The Throw" and early Primal Scream in "Man I Need". For lovers of Aussie psych-rock outfit Tame Impala.

Sounds like... Bez reincarnated.

PALMA VIOLETS - 180 (February 2013)

They were special, surprise guests at this TGE13 and they have released one of our Top Ten Albums of the Year So Far. Palma Violets' 180 fuses reverb guitar sounds with a racket of drum rhythms and raw vocals. The album is a distortion of new-wave punk and indie, a revival of nineties rock which has an appealing rough and ready vibe.

Sounds like... Joe Strummer fronts Pulp.

THE ORWELLS - Other Voices EP (June 2013)

The Orwells are simply the garage-punk soundtrack to your teen years. They burst with a raw energy irresistible to early Horrors' fans with the vocal style of Iggy Pop. Each of the four tracks have their own appeal, but it's the opening "Other Voices" and closing "Mallrats" which are a perfect introduction to The Orwells.

Sounds like... Chicago's answer to new-American new-wave punk.

CHARLIE BOYER AND THE VOYEURS - Clarietta (May 2013)

With creative input from the underground rock music genius Edwyn Collins, Charlie Boyer and The Voyeurs debut Clarietta with raw sound and quality of style, this is another testimony to the great roster of artists from Heavenly Recordings. They channel indie punk-pop with sharp, clipped vocals and a recording quality that sounds like they are in the room with you.

Sounds like... The Cribs meets The Ramones back in CBGB's.

UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA - II (February 2013)

Unknown Mortal Orchestra's second album II is a psych-pop blowout. The timing for this release could not be any better as this genre is being revived and revitalised by bands like UMO, and they are the crème de la crème. With songs that are fluid, the album progresses with a smoothness and tact that allows you to appreciate the difference in quality between tracks like "Swim and Sleep", "So Good at Being in Trouble" and "One at a Time". They have funk, they have groove and they experiment with their talent, what could be better?

Sounds like... a perfectly balanced fusion of 60s pop-rock and 70s prog-rock.

EVERYTHING EVERYTHING - Arc (January 2013)

The hype is still growing around Everything Everything, evident by their success at TGE13 following the release of Arc. Great melodies, bouncing beats and creative pop are at the core of this album. From the hit "Cough Cough" to Elbow-esque "Undrowned", Everything Everything have made something with variety and brilliance, we're already excited for the next one!

Sounds like... a merge of Maccabees math-pop!

VAMPIRE WEEKEND - Modern Vampires of the City (May 2013)

TGE alumni Vampire Weekend are back with their third album and we love it! They balance fast, furious, fun tracks such as "Finger Back" with slower songs to sway to, "Don't Lie". "Modern Vampires of the City" is simply what it states as Vampire Weekend explore newer sounds, playing prominently with strings, organs and harpsichord effects but they still retain great hooks and catchy lines in "Unbeliever" and the Buddy Holly-esque hit "Diane Young" with the unforgettable "Baby Baby Baby Baby Right On Time!"

Sounds like... Vampire Weekend are just getting better and better.

BLUE HAWAII - Untogether (March 2013)

Canadian duo Blue Hawaii released their debut album Untogether ahead of their successful set at TGE13. Tracks like "In Two" and "Try To Be" trap you in a beautiful web of melancholic dance-pop, and you can't help but embrace the feeling of epic, spacious chill-out songs with subtle heavy bass beats overlaid with layers of synths, keys and dream-like vocals.

Sounds like... Ambient grime.

TRIBES - Wish To Scream (May 2013)

Controversially conceived by the Guardian as "the work of artisans, not artists", Wish To Scream doesn't necessarily exert a new and exciting sound, but it takes melodic rock and adds a dose of quality to the quantity of bands playing anthemic, prog-rock. Some songs soak up seventies rock from "Wrapped Up In A Carpet" which channels T. Rex, to "Street Dancin'" where you can imagine Rod Stuart singing at the end of a wild 70s party, it's the perfect note to end on.

Sounds like... Anthemic Arcade Fire with psychedelic rays of MGMT shining through.

And one for good luck...

DEAP VALLY - Sistrionix

The Deap Vally debut album - released July 1^st - is exactly what we wanted from the infamous LA duo. Bursting with female preacher blues, heavy guitars and crashing drums, the girls do fist-pumping, head-thrashing, screaming hard blues with attitude and style. It's clear from tracks like "Baby I Call Hell" and "Lies" that these tracks ooze with passionate talent and sexy rock chic. It's impossible to listen and not fall in love with either girl or have at least one song stuck in your head for days to come.

Sounds like... A female Jack White takes a trip, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" style.

Words by Roisin Warner