Every issue of Relix contains an “On the Verge” section, highlighting five bands that you should keep your eye on. For the most part, those bands grow and establish their brand through relentless touring as well as appearing on the festival circuit. You know the band, the one that wows you while you’re camping out in the front row for Paul McCartney at Bonnaroo, or that band on a side stage blasting an awesome cover while you wait for a beer. They are everywhere, whether it be your local festival or opening for your favorite band, so here is a breakdown of the current landscape. Obviously there are more, and you should feel free to mention whatever band you’d like to rise from the ranks and become a headliner this summer.

The Locks

White Denim

Why They’re Great: Not many bands are original these days, because accomplishing that feat is nearly impossible. White Denim, somehow, has figured out how to present music that, at least, sounds completely original. Described as punk rock, rock and roll, psych rock, soul, blues and dub, the four-piece Austin, TX outfit doesn’t fall into any category (as you can see), and that is why they’ll be astronomically huge one day very soon.

Their career path is eerily similar to that of Arcade Fire, who just happens to be the biggest band in the world at the moment. White Denim went from local Austin sensation to indie darlings to playing David Letterman and appearing on Rolling Stone among others. In addition, their latest album, the Jeff Tweedy-produced Corsicana Lemonade, promises to find itself near the top of most “best of” lists come year’s end. This will be a band that will garner many “I remember that band when…” type of stories sometime in the (hopefully) near future.

Five Songs You Must Hear: “At the Farm” “Street Joy” “It’s Him!” “At Night in Dreams” “Come Back”

The Head and the Heart

Why They’re Great: Seattle’s newest and best folk group has certainly built their success on the road and at festivals, and they’ve also gained a few admirers along the way. With early opening slots for the likes of Dave Matthews Band and My Morning Jacket, The Head and the Heart got their music in front of more eyes than most young bands do. That, combined with the fact that they have a devastating ability to craft hooks and catchy melodies, probably contributed to their debut album moving over 280,000 copies, becoming the most popular debut release ever under SubPop Records.

Recently, they kicked the dreaded sophomore slump with a stellar release (Let’s Be Still) that included made-for-radio hits “Shake” and “Let’s Be Still” among other strong cuts. Their road warrior reputation has also landed the group at the Holy Trinity of festivals–Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Coachella–over the last three years. As the crowds begin to grow and the music keeps coming out, The Head and the Heart will free fall down the festival schedule, eventually landing in that final slot.

Five Songs You Must Hear: “Ghosts” “Down in the Valley” “Lost in My Mind” “Let’s Be Still” “Josh McBride”

The Hopefuls

Moon Taxi

Why They’re Great: Energy, energy and more energy basically sums up Moon Taxi. They have a motor that really never quits until they’re off stage, and that’s a dangerous trait to have. Moon Taxi is that band you’ll overhear ripping a killer cover of The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” at 3 P.M. at Bonnaroo . The Nashville rockers recently made headlines at that very festival, playing a late-evening set that drew one of the biggest crowds of the weekend. This propelled the group to a massive headlining tour and highly anticipated record release which yielded Mountains Beaches Cities, their best effort to date.

Moon Taxi offers enough on-stage jamming to satisfy the diehard Phish fan, and enough lyrical depth and songwriting prowess to satisfy the critics. After taking a much-needed, confident step with their latest record, Moon Taxi is now as comfortable in their own skin as ever, making them a current festival darling and soon enough a must-see on any lineup.

Five Songs You Must Hear: “Change” “Whiskey Sunsets” “All the Rage” “Cabaret” “Pennies”

Lord Huron

Why They’re Great: The vision of Michigan man Ben Schneider has blossomed into one of the most promising rootsy acts since Mumford and Sons landed with “The Cave.” If you haven’t heard “Time To Run” on the radio yet, you probably don’t listen to the radio. Regardless, Lord Huron’s debut Lonesome Dreams is full of tell-tale signs of longevity, with infectious hooks and expert songwriting, much like you’d expect from a band with 20+ years under their belt.

The problem this lovely project will run into is the ever-changing landscape of popular music. Sure, they’ll make a nice living touring around all year, but how high can they go? Their sophomore album will have a lot to do with answering that question, but so far, so good.

Five Songs You Must Hear: “Time To Run” “Lonesome Dreams” “The Man Who Lives Forever” “In the Wind” “She Lit a Fire”

Dawes

Why They’re Great: Dawes is as rock solid as they come. They don’t write bad songs, or even songs you sort of like. They write songs you love and cannot listen to enough. Their last record saw a change in town, with the album trending more towards an emotional, moody zone as opposed to the singer/songwriter vibe the first two releases gave off. Essentially, this last album Stories Don’t End saw Dawes form their identity with their most honest and creative record to date. The band has also made the rounds at festivals, moving their way up the ladder and notching appearances at Bonnaroo, Coachella and Lollapalooza–all to warm receptions.

Now a festival mainstay, promoters shouldn’t have much problem moving Dawes into a more prominent position. Their ceiling is either Wilco or Mumford & Sons, and (no disrespect to Wilco) I imagine the band will be fine with either one of those fates, but time will tell where they end up.

Five Songs You Must Hear: “Someone Will” “Just My Luck” “Time Spent in Los Angeles” “If I Wanted Someone” “A Little Bit of Everything”

The Darkhorses

The London Souls

Why They’re Great: As a three-piece, Brooklyn rockers The London Souls have very little problem filling up a room. Guitarist Tash Neal draws from so many influences, he is truly one of the most eclectic players on the scene today, and that drives the music. Drawing on their influences and injecting their own flavor, The London Souls can touch on a variety of sounds throughout their set with their originals as well as covers. Neal’s guitar tone almost harkens back to the glory days of grunge in a way, with a hint of Jimi Hendrix as well. Combine that with the drums of Chris St. Hilaire and that’s a rocket engine that is hard to corral. The London Souls will go as far as they want to go, and with a big year ahead of them, there is no doubt they will turn many heads this summer.

Five Songs You Must Hear: “The Sound” “I Think I Like It” “Old Country Road” “Steady Are You Ready” “She’s So Mad”

The Lone Bellow

Why They’re Great: The young folk rockers may not be headliner material anytime soon, but as Justin Bieber taught us, you can never say never. All this drum-less three-piece needs is for one song to hit, much like the single from their self-titled debut, “Bleeding Out,” is doing at the moment. The Lumineers found commercial success with “Ho Hey” and ended up playing to 60,000 at Coachella. The Lone Bellow could easily be next. They are conscious, thoughtful songwriters who have a playfulness to their music that makes you unable to hit the skip button.

Five Songs You Must Hear: “Bleeding Out” “Tree to Grow” “You Never Need Nobody” “Two Sides of Lonely” “Looking For You”