2012. Alt-J, 'An Awesome Wave'
Who were they? Last year's winners, Alt-J, are an indie band from Leeds who meld folk, rock and synth-pop among others with intimate lyrics and a love for triangles. Their debut record, 'An Awesome Wave', was an album that divided some critics, but had others hailing them as the next big thing in indie.
Was it an entirely outrageous choice? They were the favourites in what was one of the most middle-of-the-road shortlists for years. Michael Kiwanuka, Ben Howard, The Maccabees and Lianne La Havas would've all been safe bets, but Alt-J showed a bit of innovation about them; sure, they were hardly hard-rocking too, but they had a bit more innovation about them than the rest of the list. The only real gripes are that maybe Jessie Ware's album was more consistent, or that Richard Hawley's overdue a win.
What have they done since? Give them time, it's only been a year. Alt-J have however appeared at nearly every festival in the world this summer, and have started their own headline tour. The Mercury Prize seems to have given the band a boost, but whether or not it will taint their second release will become clear in the next few years.
Which are your favourite Mercury winners? Who should've won? And who should win this year? Tell me in the comments!