Mountain Jam 2013: 5 Can’t-Miss Bands

The Avett Brothers got to the whole bluegrass-revival thing way before Mumford and Sons did. And they're better at it. Plus, they're American, so the music comes naturally to them. Led by a pair of North Carolina siblings, the Avetts have released seven albums since 2002. We recommend 2009's 'I and Love and You.'

These New York City rockers borrow some heavy riffing from the past, incorporating sludgy, bluesy grooves from late-'60s bands like Cream into their own take on new-millennium indie rock. And they're not afraid to shred. Take a listen to 'I Think I Like It,' one of our favorites by the band.

This indie-folk group from Denver slowly built up a local club following over the past several years until their inescapable hit 'Ho Hey' made them stars last year. Like everyone else, Taylor Swift sang along to their hit at the Grammys. You'll be singing, too. Don't miss this one.

After a 12-year break, Primus got back together in 2011 and released one of their best albums, 'Green Naugahyde.' Time hasn't tamed these funky indie prog experimental metal music-makers a bit. Best of all: They amp it up onstage, so prepare to sweat along with them.

This Austin-based quartet consistently throws curveballs. One minute, they're garage-rock titans bringing all the fuzz and pounding drums. The next, they're psych-rockers drifting off in a smoky buzz. And then they get all ambitious on songs like 'Street Joy,' a mini guitar epic that could be a prom-night make-out tune.