Welcome to a new monthly(ish) feature, Radio Exile’s Next Big Three. A step up from our Hype Device column, here is where we call out who is to be the next big thing (well that was rather self explanatory, wasn’t it?)

Who?
Philadelphia-based Kurt Vile [MySpace] makes skuzzy lo-fi guitar rock which sounds like it inhabits the space between a lonely desert road at night and the endless cosmos above.

Why Him?
Because indie rock still hasn’t found its Jim Morrison. Matador Records, which just signed Vile, tends to have pretty good taste in these sorts of matters. Because Vile is his real last name (reportedly). Because “The Hunchback” is a great song. Because he totally killed it at the Woodsist Festival earlier this month. Because he’s one of the hardest working men in rock today.

What We Predict?
An introspective version of Ted Leo’s career. This guy is a lifer with a growing and dedicated fan base. Will never have a “hit” but will become indie rock royalty after a couple of albums.

[mp3] Kurt Vile – “Space Forklift”

Check out the rest of the inaugural class “after the jump”

Who?
Brooklyn-based indie soundscapers-that-just-happen-to-write-songs-that-make-you-weap trio The Antlers [MySpace] are the heirs to a part of crown the Arcade Fire now wears. They just need about five more guys on stage.

Why Them?
Because Hospice is one of the top albums of 2009. Because Peter Silberman writes songs that just stop you in your tracks. Because the band was just invited to play the Pitchfork Festival before even releasing their album (once the P-Fork signs onto your career, buckle your seat belt). Because they have a great design aesthetic (love the cover art and imagery). Because on last year’s New York Hospitals EP, they did a cover of “Tears Are In Your Eyes” that out Yo La Tengo’d Yo La Tengo.

What We Predict?
Fuse the careers of Yo La Tengo and the Arcade Fire.

[mp3] The Antlers – “Epilogue”

Who?
New Jersey’s new pride and joy, Gaslight Anthem [MySpace] offer a continuation (and some would say pinnacle) of the New Jersey aesthetic of rock and all. They are a fusion between the two great venues of Asbury Park: The Stone Pony and Asbury Lanes.

Why Them?
Because the Boss is nearing 60. Because it is literally impossible to bring up this band without somebody saying “Oh, Gaslight Anthem, they’re gonna be huge” (seriously, try it. Without fail you will hear that). Because songs this satisfying should come with a warning label. Because they released the album that every man who has ever picked up a guitar secretly wishes they had written.

What We Predict?
The topper-most of the popper-most! Seriously, these guys are going to be headline major festivals in the near, near future. Is it too much to call The ’59 Sound the Born To Run of the ‘00s? Oh, did I just call it that? Well, it’s apt.

[mp3] The Gaslight Anthem – “Miles Davis & The Cool”

Last 5 posts by Tom Williams

• Tom Williams Bids Adieu to Radio Exile - June 22nd, 2011
• If I had to pick ONE band to become 'Indie Superstars' in the next year... - July 9th, 2010
• Perfume Genius Smells Like Amazing - July 8th, 2010
• This Is Cool: Kid A: Reimagined - May 21st, 2010
• Jeff Mangum (5/6/10, Le Poisson Rouge, NYC) - May 7th, 2010