Who? Hardcore’s dearly departed, perennially under-appreciated Blood Brothers might have had a taste for breakneck speed and hyper-accentuated yelping, but lurking underneath their sonic skin was a glammed-out, glitter-flecked monster waiting to rear its head.

Who? Like many others in the indie-rock lexicon, this Cleveland act tapped into the animal kingdom for its moniker. But while the pool of bands sporting beastly titles grows -- "Lions," "Tigers," "Wolves," "Frogs," and "Moths" oh my!

Who? While Alex Lilly's sweet, girl-next-door vocals may have once backed fellow L.A. residents and pop-devouts the Bird and the Bee, her pipes take center stage for solo project Obi Best. And Capades, Lilly's debut album under the moniker, validates her step into the limelight.

Who? Already a staple in the Los Angeles scene, known for his songwriting and production work with everyone from Rilo Kiley's Benji Hughes to love-pop duo the Bird & the Bee and Australian songstress Sia, sonic handyman Gus Seyffert is all set to add yet another bullet to his storied resume: frontman. Seyffert, with the aid of a few pals, will debut under his Willoughby moniker Sept.

Who? In a digital age where computers replace personal interaction, entertainment desires are neatly compiled on iPhones, and ProTools is a recording status quo, Calgary-bred quartet Women (all boys; friends since high school) are fighting the grain, serving up a vintage, lo-fi, arty sound that -- despite pretentious notions -- appeals to the pop devout.

Who? Like the product of an upbringing heavy on TV dinners and Saturday morning cartoons, creative force Charlie Brand -- with help from Rick Schaier (drums/vocals) and Eli Brandom (guitar) -- exudes a uncanny knack for playful jingle-like melodies just hinting at an under-the-surface melodrama.