2012 should standout as a memorable year for the Fishtown indie pop-rock fivesome Turning Violet Violet. Their presence was already getting steadily more well-known in the Philly music scene, and with the release of their debut album, Double Cure, which was produced by Miner Street Recordings/Shaking Through’s Brian McTear, they now have a solid foundation of material that rocks while eluding towards chamber-pop and orchestral melodies to build upon. – Rachel Barrish 

This year, Ghost Light got gritty. Awful Feelings, their Valentine’s Day release that earned a spot as our July Album of the Month, wore a more powerful, roughed-up sound on its sleeve. Between that and the exuberantly stormy performances with their newly filled out lineup, it has certainly been a breakout year for Ghost Light. – Alyssa Greenberg

Youth exuberance with a battled-tested bluesy grit – that’s exactly what The Districts bring to the table. Each song demonstrates raw emotional energy combining straight from the gut vocals with a steam-rolling rhythm section that lights the fuse for raunchy explosive guitar licks one after another. – Michael Colavita 

Sexy, synth-pop four-piece Night Panther really impressed us with their opening set at Norwegian Arms‘ album release party. The dapper dudes and and charming, young lady don’t have an official release out yet, but a full-length album is in the works. Until then, you can check out and download for free their latest offering called "Fire," which premiered earlier today via My Old Kentucky.

Below is a new mini-doc from The Tressels with behind the scenes footage of the recording sessions for their new album American Midnight. Experience what it sometimes takes for an independent band to make a rock ‘n’ roll album.

Tonight is the first Tuesday Tune-Out of the New Year at PhilaMOCA, and curating it this month will be The Key. Kicking things off will be a special improvised set by Eric Slick (Dr. Dog, Norwegian Arms, etc.) to his new short film Primal Essence, which was specifically filmed for this evening. There will also be short opening sets by Ape School’s Michael Johnson and Capillary Action’s Jonathan Pfeffer. PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St., 8pm, $5 donation, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

Below is a new track that you can download for free from Cold Fronts called "Know It All," which premiered earlier today via BuzzChips and was recorded at Converse Rubber Tracks Studio. The band is currently working on a new EP with Kyle "Slick" Johnson at Fancy Time Studio. You can catch Cold Fronts performing live on January 25 at West Philly’s Sprinkle Kingdom.

Hip hop collective Ground Up and folk rockers The Lawsuits teamed up this past summer to perform at PW’s Concerts in the Park and hit the road on a mini-tour. Well, both acts liked how it sounded so much that they took it to the studio to record a live session. Check out the Bucks County buddies rockin’ out “Late Night Special” in another HotBox Session, which took place at legendary Sigma Sound Studios while the HotBox guys were building their new studio. 

Here’s a new music video from the Wrecking Crew for the track "Scallops" off last year’s well-recieved debut release Wu-Tang Pulp. It was directed by F Pat Murray, and you should notice different parts of Philly as the backdrop throughout the video. We have to give a shout out to Taco Loco on 4th and Washington. Yes, our favorite tacos come from an RV made by a good Mexican family who deserves their own restaurant! (Pro tip: At Taco Loco, carnivores rule, and you should ask for extra fixins if you want more than just the traditional onion and cilantro toppings. You can thank us later. ;o)