From the first notes of the melodic guitar riff on the single, “Island Universe,” to the moment frontwoman, Jessie Jones opens her mouth to intoxicate with her otherworldly voice, the magic of this young band, Feeding People, is undeniable. It’s so rare, I almost forget it’s possible to discover music so special it seems to harken from another world, age or galaxy. While it’s obvious the influences from which this four-piece is culling, they are successfully channeling the divine energy of the rock greats of the 60s in a way that excites passion instead of mere nostalgia. It’s no surprise they have quickly been picked up by LA-based Indie, Innovative Leisure, which boasts acts from Nosaj Thing to Nick Waterhouse. To our delight, they will be playing for free every Monday Night in January at the Echo. Each week is jammed packed with up and coming garage/psych-leaning bands like, Blackfeet Braves, Colleen Green, and The Blank Tapes. A vinyl LP is in the works, but in the meantime, give “Island Universe” a listen, and catch the fever. - Jacqueline Caruso

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