This past year has proven to be a very busy one for psych-pop act Cheers Elephant. The band has been incessantly performing shows since the release of their latest full-length album Like Wind Blows Fire this past April. In addition to headlining a number of local spots, 2012 also saw the band sharing the stage with some national acts as well, which included Mayer Hawthorne, Brooklyn-based Rubblebucket, San Francisco Area’s the Mother Hips, and backing the legendary Chubby Checker, just to name a few. Next month, the band will embark on a headlining tour across the U.S., which will include a stop at SXSW. With the quartet’s live performances gaining more notoriety, Cheers Elephant is feeding off the buzz and carrying the momentum. (BTW: Check out the rest of our Best of 2012 Poll list HERE.) – Ed Newton