London dark-pop trio [STRANGERS] issued two singles this year, “Shine On You” and “Safe/Pain,” both of which deservedly made Popservations’ Top 100 Tracks of 2012. No less than synthpop giant Vince Clark praised the latter as “Epic!”, with music videos and remixes accompanying both releases.

Headlining their own club dates and supporting the likes of Niki & The Dove and Frankie Rose during their UK stops, [STRANGERS] also served up a pair of stellar covers. Their take on Tears For Fears’ “Shout” arrived just after the start of the year, while August ushered in a phenomenal rework of Haddaway’s “What Is Love” that I’ve decreed one of the Top 25 Cover Songs of 2012. [STRANGERS] also found time to remix Kimbra’s “Posse” to fantastic effect.

Continuing Popservations’ year-end artist series, [STRANGERS]’ frontman David Maddox-Jones has shared the music he and his bandmates became intimately familiar with in 2012. Also read about [STRANGERS]’ most memorable moments of the past year and what the trio has in store for 2020.

[STRANGERS]’ 5 Favorite Tracks/EPs of 2012:

Kate Boy – “Northern Lights”
Chvrches – “The Mother We Share”
HAIM – “Don’t Save Me”
Alice Jemima – All The Boyfriends EP
No Ceremony – “Feelsolow”

“Other bands who I like are Seasfire, Swiss Lips, Curxes… There’s loads and I’ve probably forgotten lots!”

Memorable moments from 2012:

“We have recently been writing loads preparing for our debut album. We felt we wanted to develop as a band some more and are really coming into our own, songwriting-wise. Every song we finish is a little milestone, and it’s very addictive as well. We love the creative process. Hearing our song on the Olympics was a big moment for us [Ed. Note: Watch here] as well as meeting loads of incredible people who have a real passion for new music.”

Coming in 2020:

“We will be releasing new stuff at some point soon, though we can’t divulge when yet. Very excited about picking up new fans, playing lots of shows, and the release of our debut album.”

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Read additional entries from Popservations’ year-end artist series, featuring 2012 favorites as picked by Bright Light Bright Light,  Queen of Hearts, Alphabeat, and others here.