This year’s varied list reflects certain trends from the past 12 months as well as acknowledging new and established talents. The bookies’ favourites, Cambridge-based four piece Alt-J, are nominated for their daring yet accessible debut album An Awesome Wave, that’s received universally strong reviews for its experimental blend of folk, alt.rock, electronica and quirky yet catchy songs, likewise the playful psychedelic pop quartet Django Django are nominated for their self-titled album.

Pleasingly a jazz album has once again made the shortlist – this year it’s the self-titled debut from feisty Leeds sax/guitar/drums three-piece Roller Trio. Demonstrating the continually evolving British jazz scene is one of the few places producing innovative, cutting edge music today, the album also spotlights the creativity of the Leeds jazz scene that also includes the likes trioVD and Matthew Bourne. Roller Trio first made a splash when they won the Peter Whittingham award last year, following the likes of Soweto Kinch, Led Bib and Gwilym Simcock, who all went on to receive Mercury nominations. The band has since wowed audiences at the Manchester Jazz Festival with DJ Gilles Peterson declaring them the “future of UK jazz.” With their mix of rock/prog-edged riffs, dubstep electronics and great melodies are sure to win a wider audience through their nomination.

This year’s twentieth edition of the prize has been moved further into the autumn for the first time due to the Olympics. The Mercury marks its anniversary with a new TV sponsor in the form of Channel 4, who will show individual gigs from each of the nominees, and a new venue for the prize’s big live finale that will take place at the iconic Roundhouse in Camden on 1 November. The winner will be announced live at 10.15pm on the night. See the October issue of Jazzwise for an interview with Roller Trio.

– The team at Jazzwise

The full list of nominees is as follows:

Alt-J – An Awesome Wave

Ben Howard – Every Kingdon

Django Django – Django Django

Jessie Ware – Devotion

Lianne La Havas – Is Your Love Big Enough

Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again

Plan B – Ill Manners

Richard Hawley – Standing At The Sky’s Edge

Roller Trio – Roller Trio

Sam Lee – Ground of Its Own

The Macabees – Given To The Wild