Seraphina Lotkhamnga on July 31st, 2012

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To correctly write the name of this band in type, you need to press “alt” key on your computer and type “j.” ∆, otherwise known as Alt-J, may hail from Leeds, U.K., but their inventive blend of pop, trip-hop and rock has gotten their debut album “An Awesome Wave” (out Sept. 18 on Canvasback) much deserved buzz over on this side of the pond, too. The iconic name is fitting since “alt” + “j” create the symbol which shows change in mathematics. Stepping in to a foray of folk-step (or, dare I say, dub-pop), the U.K. quartet’s songs have a futuristic appeal with pummeling synths and gripping guitars. But Alt-J’s most refreshing quality is their ability to blend these tech-heavy and formulated elements with pure human emotion. Vocals yelp, croon, harmonize and rasp among hip hop rhythms in songs such as “Fitzpleasure” as much as they gently swing in the folk verses of songs like “Breezeblocks.” Their daring style is captured quite well in the Alex Southam-directed music video for the smoky third single “Tessellate,” where fluid movement and sterile freeze frames make for an intriguing listen and watch.

||| Stream: “Fitzpleasure” and “Breezeblocks.”

||| Download: Remixes of “Fitzpleasure” by Dave Sitek and The Internet of Odd Future.

||| Live: Alt-J plays on Wednesday at the Echo with Erika Spring.