Oh man, we’ve got it bad: Australia’s Howling Bells have made us completely heartsick. Frontwoman Juanita Stein’s throaty vocals are tinged with this epic, echoey feel, like Hope Sandoval merged with Regine Sparks of the Handsome Family. Who cares if they’re not actually American, their sound is all American gothic pop, with piercing Cramps-ish guitars and simple, traditional melodies supporting each emotive layer. Our favorite song so far? “Low Happening” with its weird, defiant breakup lyrics (”you use me, i used you … you listen to trash it’s not rock and roll.”) Sigh.