It’s always interesting to see the length of time it takes for an independent artist and their work to begin to get recognition in the media. Buried Beds’ latest full-length Tremble the Sails is a good example. We’ve honestly been enjoying it for a while now so I really didn’t remember when the LP was originally released. It was a bit surprising to see that Buried Beds celebrated the album’s release on June 25, 2010. (The full-length was our July 2010 Album of Month which you can read HERE.) In Tremble the Sails, you find Buried Beds making a brave move from the somber folk-y, Appalachian songs that they were so critically-acclaimed for, to playful, upbeat indie pop tunes that were more reflective of the band members’ personalities. In 2011, the group was able to successfully raise funds via Kickstarter to press Tremble the Sails on vinyl, and rereleased it on March 1 to positive reviews. They also hit the road in support of the record to capture the hearts of audiences around the country while opening for notable acts like Dr. Dog, mewithoutYou, The Head and the Heart, and Murder by Death. Buried Beds wrapped up the year on a high note by having their song “Steady Hand” chosen as NPR’s Song of the Day. Well, 2012 is already off to great start for the beloved Philly act with the release of their beautiful short film Small Stories, which is accompanied by an EP. The band also has plans to release a new full-length album so let’s see how long it will take for all this new material to catch on. I’m hoping sooner than later. – H.M. Kauffman

Small Stories. from Nate Johnson

We had great time this past Friday at Kung Fu Necktie with White Birds, Univox and Tutlie. A bunch of The Deli staff were able to make it out so it was nice to grab drinks together, and check out some fine local acts. The big surprise of the night was Tutlie. None of us had ever seen them perform live before, but we were very intrigued due to their lone single online “Giantess” (which we all agreed is a bona fide hit once the interweb catches a hold of it). The band is very young fronted by the pretty vocals of Jesse Radlow and Christina Klaproth (college roommates who were very happy to be twenty-one and in a bar). The most familiar face on stage was Josa Lazas (Golden Ages, Strand of Oaks) who had just joined the band about two weeks ago and didn’t know the names of their songs yet. Drummer Tony Rossi (Streaks of Light) created a strong backbone for their compositions while programmer/multi-instrumentalist Asher Brooks orchestrated the band’s moody backdrop. We liked their positive energy and genuine joy to be on stage together which showed on their painted faces. We expect to see them around and hear a lot more from them in the future. (Haha…as long as Klaproth doesn’t handle the business end of things after hearing her exclaim to the door man, “Oh, we get paid!” The room was well-attended throughout the evening.)

For over a decade, Philly’s Jedi Mind Tricks have been making noise in the underground hip hop community, following the eir critical success of their second album, Violent by Design. The crew was originally comprised of controversial frontman Vinnie Paz, his fellow emcee Jus Allah and producer/DJ Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind. Last October, they released their seventh studio album, Violence Begets Violence, on Paz’s independent record label, Enemy Soil. The LP is filled with the angst-fueled lyrics that their fans are accustomed to, but Violence Begets Violence also marks a change in sound for the long-running group due to the departure of Stoupe, who handed over his production duties to a young group of producers to give a fresh sound to the group’s hardcore formula. Hip hop fans be prepared for a mosh pit at Union Transfer tonight. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., $18 – 20, 8pm, All Ages – Dan Brightcliffe

Hezekiah Jones (a.k.a. Raph Cutrufello) and his family of Joneses are back on stage tonight at Johnny Brenda’s with their reflective timeless sounds after a short hiatus. Hezekiah Jones latest offering Have You Seen Our Fort? exudes poppy, alt folk sounds that will surely have the crowd merrily tapping their feet, but the group can also awe you with some of the prettiest, earnest tunes this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. The band’s music has so many layers, but it is a joy to peal them back to find at the core Cutrufello’s rich vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Joining the Joneses will be headliner Samantha Crain, with an album that is sure to make you dwell upon interaction with others, in the most profound way. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Lisa Schaffer) – Brandi Lukas

Tonight’s show at Milkboy Philly is a bit of a contrast in styles, but it will feature somewhat hidden gems of our city. Starting off the evening will be the synthpop assault of Instamatic in the first of two shows in their hometown this month, which they have dubbed “Instamatic Appreciation Month” on their blog. The four man synth army released their latest EP, Three Song EP, which is full of new wave beats that sound like the best 80’s dance party you’ve ever been to. Headlining tonight’s show will be the tropicalia/ bossa nova-inspired psychedelic jams of Brown Recluse. The unassuming local act makes their home on iconic indie label Slumberland. The group’s jangly indie pop sound is likened to bands such as The Clientele, Belle and Sebastian and even the Zombies. They’ll also be joined by the melodic dream pop Acres of Diamonds. MilkBoy Philly 100 Chestnut St., $8-10, 8:30 pm, 21+ – Dan Brightcliffe

Break ups are hard (duh). There’s always more emotion than expected and, if you’re on the receiving end, you’re left battling snot-filled nights of Jim Beam and self-loathing. It takes a toll (duh-twice). But – and this is an ancient secret – there are more productive ways to get over that stab in the heart. Just take a cue from local outfit White Birds (ex-Drink Up Buttercup), whose upcoming LP, When Women Played Drums, is a therapy session sifting through the post-relationship debris (it drops on Valentine’s Day, as a "fuck you" to the red-stained holiday). On the album, the trio, who’s playing Kung Fu Necktie tonight, takes the heaviness of despondency and turns it into this swirling, lo-fi mass of overwhelming defiance – of heavy reverb and jazzy shoegaze and jangly dream-pop that hisses and snaps, pulling the vocals down under its currents and watching them struggle to the surface. It defines everything a break up leaves behind while setting it free – an ode to stubbornly moving on. For this evening’s show, White Birds will be joined by Univox, who hones in their trademark spastic garage-punk for a more ’90s power pop-meets-punk choir polish for their recently released Tonight 7-inch, and fledgling local outfit Tutlie, who’s upcoming LP, Young Cries, is sure to burst with sweet, effervescent and gentle chamber pop. Consoling yourself with music is always the best medicine, so go forth. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $8-$10, 21+ – Annamarya Scaccia

Hoots & Hellmouth will be rereleasing their latest full-length Salt on April 10 via Louisville, Kentucky-based indie label sonaBLAST! Records. The hard-working road warriors also have a slew of dates confirmed, which you can check out below. They’ll be back performing in Philly on Valentine’s Day at Tin Angel.

More congratulations are in order for Creepoid! Besides being top dog in our Best of Philly 2011 Poll for Emerging Artists, they recently signed to indie label No Idea Records who will be rereleasing their full-length album Horse Heaven. Creepoid will also be performing a FREE early all ages show this evening at Beautiful World Syndicate in South Philly with Gods and Queens, who will be playing their first show since their harrowing accident in Europe. There will be a lot to celebrate tonight in the vinyl-filled storefront!

Tonight at The Level Room join Leather, Heathen Reign, Double Negative, Murder, Wargames, and Sick Fix for a night of hardcore fun and brotherly shoves. Underground foursome Leather will be sure to cause their fair share of mayhem. The basement show alumni draw inspiration from classic punk acts like Cromags, but add in a grime-y kick that has plenty of people taking notice. You’ll also be treated to the debut performance of Heathen Reign. The band is fronted by Creepoid’s drummer Pat Troxell with members and ex-members of Orchid, Bucket Full of Teeth and Brain Dead. They’ll be hosting North Carolina natives Double Negative, Baltimore’s Murder (ex-Vincent Black Shadow/Triac), DC’s Sick Fix, and Wargames (ex-The Pist/Deep Sleep/Ruiner). The Level Room, 2102 Market St., 9pm, $7, 21+ – Emma Branson

Gracie (a.k.a. Andrew Balasia) has been tantalizing the senses with the sneak previews of his forthcoming lo-fi electro R&B EP Treehouse, which will be released February 7 via Small Plates Records. And tonight at Johnny Brenda’s he’ll be heating things up as the air begins to chill out for the weekend. Balasia will be joined by likeminded musical brethren Tours, whom he has collaborated with in the past. Brooklyn’s Snowmine will also be making the trip down and showing why their buzzworthy album Laminate Pet Animal has been grabbing plenty of attention in the blogosphere when they headline this evening. They’ll all be performing as part of WXPN’s Philadelphia Bandcamp Hunter Music Series. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $5, 21+ – Bill McThrill