The story goes that these five San Diego County boys called themselves Blackfeet Braves, then hid out on a ranch built upon an Indian burial ground to write and record their debut LP, expected out in February on Lolipop Records. After listening to the single, “Vicious Cycle,” which they are making available to download, I’m a believer. The lead singer croons with the necessity of one possessed, and the reverb drenched instrumental break feels like a tribal ceremony to summon ancestral spirits. The band brilliantly creates the mood of the song not just through lyrical content, but the arrangement itself. The tempo changes and energy literally cycle from calm and groovy, to frenzied and frenetic, and back again. With references to The Growlers and Allah-Las being tossed around so flippantly lately, these guys actually deserve the best of what that indicates. Grab the download of “Vicious Cycle” from their Soundcloud. If you dig, check them live Friday, January 4 at the Constellation Room in Santa Ana, or more locally, at the Echo on January 7. – Jacqueline Caruso

Watch this newly released video for So Many Wizards‘ song, “I Like it Here,” off their latest album Warm Nothing, which was released this summer on JAXART Records. The video was directed by multi-talented local artist, Walt Gorecki of Walt! Productions. Sit back and enjoy the ride as the guys take you on a magical journey through the clouds and beyond. – Jacqueline Caruso

For whatever reason PUMA hosted a Holiday Mixer at Los Globos last night. The oversized sneakers strewn about the venue and marketing ploy aside, it was a great excuse to put together an amazing lineup of some seriously talented local acts thanks to our friends at BuzzBands LA. The highlight for me was the synth-pop set from Hot As Sun. The band has been holed up in the studio this year working on their debut full length album with an expected March 2013 release date on Last Gang Records. So, it was a real treat to see them at their best presenting all this wonderful, new material. Between the yelling through the checkered megaphone, the line dance break in the middle of “Dahance to the Beat,” and the truly impressive pipes on lead singer/frontwoman Jamie Jackson, this cold December night was one worth trekking out into. Firmly rooted in modern electro-pop, yet tinged with 60s girl group vibes, and British-inspired trip-hop beats, Hot As Sun’s songs transfix, and make it impossible to stand still. Throughout their set the room erupted in jubilant dancing, which usually sends awkward chills down my spine, but not this time. Maybe it was the PUMA sweatbands everyone was wearing, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Olivia Newton-John’s disco spirit was alive inside Jackson and spilling out into the crowd. In the best way. – Jacqueline Caruso

Beach Party make soulful, gritty 60‘s garage rock that is so appealing to the pop sensibilities that it would make Joe Meek proud. In between the abrasive gang vocal shouts of “C’mon, C’mon, let’s have some fun!” are the catchy guitar riffs that keep you coming back for more. It’s their ability to embrace the energy and excitement of old school surf/garage rock, while still managing to keep their sound fresh and firmly grounded in the present that proves this band is one to watch. If you’re jonesing for some modern references, they are at times touching on The Killers territory, and at others The Strokes. But make no mistake, these guys are carving out their our piece of the lo-fi landscape. Beach Party have been forecasted by the tastemakers at Origami Vinyl and The Echo as one of the breakout bands of 2013. They will be joining a handful of excellent, local bands on January 4th to showcase the best of the best. If you can’t wait til the new year, see them live this Friday, December 14 at The Satellite in support of seminal crowd-pleasers, Vanaprasta. – Jacqueline Caruso

If you’re looking for an all-day, all-out, end of the year party showcasing every local band worth your time, money and sweat, then get tickets now for the First Annual XMAS FEST presented by underStory and Galaga 2331 at The Echo Country Outpost. With a full 12 hours of live music on 2 stages, catering by Lot 1 Cafe, Go Go Dancers, and a chance to snap a photo on Santa’s lap, this is also a fundraiser for the LA Mission and Toys for Tots. The lineup features an exhaustive list of local favorites including, Races, Gothic Tropic, Raw Geronimo, LA Font, Nick Diamonds, Tommy Santee Klaws, Voice on Tape, Tes Elations, Criminal Hygiene and The Janks. Check out the Facebook event for set times, and instructions on how to buy pre-sale tickets.While you’re at it, check out our playlist filled with the best songs from some of the bands on the lineup. – Jacqueline Caruso

Filled with sexy and sinister rock tunes that evoke the spirit of the classic rockers that came before them, Near & Undear is the full length release from locals, The Bixby Knolls. Each song on this record oozes through the speakers with an unnerving confidence. From the soulful swagger on “Runnin’ and Runnin’” to the abrasive shouts of “It’s All A Lie” to that in-your-face guitar on the closing track, “I Want It All.” The influences are obvious, but so is the intentionality behind it. (They began recording in 2010, with the full release this week, two years later.) This album leaves you unsettled, with a strong desire to throw back some whiskey, hop on a Harley and not look back. Stream the full album on the band’s Soundcloud. – Jacqueline Caruso

Having just opened a show for the Shins in Seattle, brother/sister duo Blondfire will make its way back to LA for a show at the Troubadour on Tuesday. This time they will be supporting Australia’s Atlas Genius. Blondfire consists of Bruce and Erica Driscoll, and they have been traveling up and down the West Coast in support of their recently released EP, "Where the Kids Are." The Michigan natives are of American and Brazilian decent and have been playing music in some form or another since they were kids. Their mother is a classically trained pianist who encouraged them to take lessons at an early age. Through the years, Bruce and Eric explored various music interests, which included the likes of The Smiths, The Cure, and ’80s pop, and they have now come together to build a shimmery dream pop sound with delicate female vocals, catchy loops and addictive melodies. The songs on the EP have the enchanting and nostalgic essence of bands like M83 and the fun beats of fellow LA band Foster the People. A full-length called "Young Heart" is on its way via Warner Bros Records. – Karla Hernández

Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young… Tommy, Jordan, and Callie Ray? The talented trio of transplants known as The Borrower’s Debt certainly project the impression that they are the lost members of rock supergroup, CSNY, through their intricate medley of heart-warming lyrics, soulful three-part harmonies, and rustic undertones. TBD’s debut EP, "A Treehouse Narrative" keeps folkrock fresh and relatable as airy vocals speak to those who have ever risked it all in an attempt to pursue their goals. The band’s pleasantly honest disposition is captured in their latest video for the track "Walking Home From Hollywood", in which TBD reflects on the roads traveled in order to form the group, beginning to have their dreams of coming up in the industry realized, and the joys of coming home. The Borrower’s Debt will be performing with the Show Ponies at the Olde Tyme Christmas Show presented by Pi5 Music in Van Nuys on December 14th. – Anais Barajas

Echo Park sextet Handshakes hold a name that invites commonality with its listeners. So it’s no surprise that their just released EP, Crooks & Villains, is a sprightly, hooky record that never lowers its head down even when the melodies move toward a minor key. It’s a lean, economical batch of pop songs that glow with a sunny disposition and charming modesty. They’ll be playing every Monday night at the Silverlake Lounge all throughout the month of December. 

Glam enthusiast Conquistador has just released a promo cut of "With a Love Like That", a loony, green-screen set piece journey to the galaxies that boasts saturated neon colors and elaborate beta-tape era editing techniques. A ridiculous amount of eye candy that could almost be missed if distracted by his impressive moustache. Oh yeah, and the song is quite catchy, too!

If you’re in need of some glitchy goodness, Boston’s answer to Flying Lotus is producer Ian Barnett’s solo project, Mallow. Be prepared to throw these suckers on your working/running/what the heck ever playlist. The latest single Shocks, Locks, and Shambles is balanced on the cusp of hip hop, electro, and instrumental genres. When you hear the multi-layered quality of the beats Barnett drops, you’ll be less inclined to try to define it – don’t be surprised if you find yourself hooked. Not to worry, Nimbus Land drops November 20th from Urban Waves Records. Hillary Anderson 

Here’s a recipe that never failed to work: skaters pulling some sick song from punk’s annals or their mate’s streams to soundtrack their tricks & reckless antics. And seeing as skating pools and riding tight riffs is what they do best, here’s The Shrine rightfully sticking to their guns, in their new video for ‘Whistlings of Death‘ (off the album Primitive Blast, available on their bandcamp) premiered yestersay via Noisey, brought together by Amanda Siegel. Check it out below.