Since its release of 2005′s eponymous album “Z,” My Morning Jacket has gone major, trading in its “Tennessee Fire”-era harmonies and hand-spun neo-folk for forthcoming sonic floods and greater funk influences.

Taking its spot and turning its old sound into something even richer is Seattle’s Fleet Foxes. Imagine My Morning Jacket recording during its earliest and most organic years, but if only the abandoned silo they sang and strummed in had perfect production value.

Even on the “Sun Giant” EP, its first official release, every component of each heavily multi-layered song simply floods the speakers, earphones or not. The band will be a crowning addition to country and classic rock fans as well, much thanks to the warmth of perfecting four-part harmonies that rise, fall, flutter and stand out by translating seamlessly from LP to live show.

With the support of Sub Pop Records’ successful track records and top-notch performances at this year’s South By Southwest, these Foxes have proven sly enough to come out totally on top in 2008.

- Sami Promisloff