2015 Mercury Music Album of the Year shortlist announced

The shortlist for the 2015 Mercury Music 'Album of the Year' has been announced today, and includes seven debuts.

The 12 albums all hope to claim the much-coveted gong that hip-hop trio Young Fathers claimed at last years' awards.

The list, in association with BBC Music, was narrowed down from more than 290 albums to just 12 by a judging panel of industry experts.

Simon Frith, chair of judges said:

Aphex Twin - Syro

Syro is the sixth studio album from from Irish-born electronic producer Aphex Twin.

Wolf Alice - My Love Is Cool

My Love Is Cool is the debut full-length record from London alt-rockers Wolf Alice.

Wolf Alice frontwoman Ellie Rowsell told BBC Six Music's Lauren Laverne : "This feels amazing. We're absolutely flabbergasted.

"We can't believe it. I can speak for all of us, and say this is the best year of our lives. We're like four excitable kids all the time."

Roisin Murphy - Hairless Toys

Irish singer Roisin Murphy, formerly one half of Moloko, was the third name to be announced, with her third album Hairless Toys making the shortlist.

C Duncan - Architect

Scottish composer Christopher Duncan, who performs as C Duncan, was the fourth name announced with his debut album, Architect.

"It's absolutely amazing. I still can't believe it and I'm still pinching myself," he told Laverne.

Eska - Eska

The fifth name to be announced was Zimbabwean-born singer Eska (Eska Mtungwazi) with her eponymous debut album.

She said: "I'm feeling a little bit ill - butterflies and things. You hope for (something like) this, but you can't expect these things. It's really overwhelming and a wonderful acknowledgement to receive this."

Florence + The Machine - How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

Florence + The Machine's third album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, was the sixth album announced. It is Florence Welch's second appearance on the Mercury Prize shortlist, following her 2009 debut, Lungs.

Ghostpoet - Shedding Skin

Former Mercury Prize jury member Ghostpoet - who previously received a nod for his 2011 debut, Peanut Butter Blues And Melancholy Jam - got his second nomination for his third album,Shedding Skin.

Benjamin Clementine - At Least For Now

London-based singer and poet Benjamin Clementine was the eighth name to be announced, after scoring his first nomination on the list with his debut album, At Least For Now.

"I didn't expect anything because this is my first album, but I've had really nice reviews from different journalists and people are listening to my music. I'm really surprised," the 26-year-old said.

Jamie XX - Colours

Former winner Jamie xx, who won the Mercury Prize in 2010 with his self-titled debut, was the ninth name to be unveiled on the shortlist.

"It's wonderful to be nominated again." said the 26-year-old singer

SOAK - Before We Forgot How To Dream

SOAK's debut album, Before We Forgot How To Dream, was the tenth act announced for the Mercury Prize list.

Bridie Monds-Watson, from Londonderry in Northern Ireland, told Laverne:

"It's just crazy, I just did not see that coming. I started writing this album when I was 13 until I was 18, so it is a life thing."

Gaz Coombes - Matador

The second solo album from ex-Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes also makes the shortlist.

"It's insane. I am still in shock, it hasn't sunk in yet. I made this mad album last year in my basement. When Matador was finished, I knew it was a cool record but you never know how it's going to come across to people," Coombes said.

Slaves - Are You Satisifed?

Laurie Vincent, one half of Slaves alongside bandmate Isaac Holman, told Laverne: "We didn't think we'd be in the Mercury Prize awards. That's like a dream. That's more than a dream that every musician wants to accomplish with their album, because it's solely about the music."

The winner will be announced on 20 November.