The band received the gong for the “most rewarding and inspiring album” of the past twelve months from our sister title Uncut.

The band were unanimously named as the winner from a panel of industry judges including radio DJMark Radcliffe.

They beat off competition fromRadiohead, Nationwide Mercury Prize winners Elbow, The Raconteurs and Vampire Weekendto nab the title.

Seaking to Uncut.com the band’s frontman Robin Pecknold: “It makes us want to step up our game. I see it as you throwing down the gauntlet – now we have to live up to it. 

“Obviously prizes are not something you should think about or hope for when you’re making music. I hope our next album isn’t like an awards grab, like the equivalent of a Clint Eastwood movie, y’know, Oscar bait.”