Quick, Before It Melts.

Nominees were announced for this year's Polaris Music Prize yesterday in Toronto, and already a dark horse favourite has emerged from the pack. Literally.

The Besnard Lakes's debut album, The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse is one of the 10 album's shortlisted for this year's prize. They're in good company, with Arcade Fire, Feist and The Dears also making the list.

If last year's awards are anything to go by, The Besnard Lakes have a pretty good shot at taking home the $20 000 prize. The first Polaris prize was awarded to Final Fantasy for He Poos Clouds, proving that Polaris wasn't going to be a popularity contest, but one based on artistic merit.

This year's full shortlist:

Arcade Fire Neon Bible

The Besnard Lakes The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse

The Dears Gang Of Losers

Julie Dorion Woke Myself Up

Feist The Reminder

Junior Boys So This Is Goodbye

Miracle Fortress Five Roses

Joel Plaskett Emergency Ashtray Rock

Chad VanGaalen Skelliconnection

Patrick Watson Close To Paradise

This year's Polaris winner will be announced September 24 in Toronto.

For your listening pleasure:

The Besnard Lakes "And You Lied To Me"

Junior Boys "In The Morning"

Feist "How My Heart Behaves"


+Polaris Music Prize official site