With music that ranges from the retro to the intensely personal, these hardworking performers are ready to break out in May.

With summer just around the corner and the outdoor concert season kicking into high gear, here are some hardworking musicians and musical groups that appear ready to make their mark in the month of May:

Alphabeat
Band Members: Anders SG, Stine Bramsen, Anders B, Rasmus Nagel, Anders Reinholdt, Troels Hansen

Though some would prefer to completely forget the music of the 1980s, Alphabeat embraces the best of what that decade had to offer. “Fascination,” arguably Alphabeat’s best known song, sounds like something the Go-Go’s and George Michael could have collaborated on 25 years ago, but with a definite 21st-century flavor. Their contemporary spin on the ’80s sound should help Alphabeat rise to the top.

The Official Alphabeat Web site

The Hoosiers
Band Members: Irwin Sparkes, Martin Skarendahl, Alfonso Sharlando

There’s something haunting yet mesmerizing about the Hoosiers, a band that hails from England. From the slightly cynical sounds of “Worst Case Scenario” to the heartfelt lyrics of “Run Rabbit Run,” The Hoosiers could become the breakout band of the season.

The Official Hoosiers Web site

Amy Macdonald

Scottish singer and songwriter Amy Macdonald is a musician with many sides, each one more fascinating than the other. In “This is the Life” and “LA,” Macdonald tells carefully constructed and intensely personal stories while the emotionally stirring “Run” is almost like a howl of anger and pain.

Amy Macdonald’s MySpace Page

The Feeling
Band Members: Dan Gillespie Sells, Richard Jones, Kevin Jeremiah, Ciaran Jeremiah and Paul Stewart

Bringing back fond memories of those powerful 1970s rock love ballads, the music of The Feeling heads straight to the heart. From the gentle “I Thought It Was Over” to the cold, harsh reality of “Without You,” The Feeling stirs up powerful emotions and, in some cases, painful memories of love gone wrong.

The Feeling’s MySpace Page

The Young Knives
Band Members: Henry Dartnall, The House Of Lords and Oliver Askew

Few groups can shift musical gears like the English indie band called the Young Knives. Starting with “Turn Tail,” which has a bit of a R.E.M. flavor to it, these guys can move into high gear with the pounding, driving beat of “Up All Night.”

The Young Knives’ MySpace Page

Submitted by: Steven Bryan