I was excited to see so many local bands that I love had submitted their music to be reviewed for our Year End Poll (see right), but what excited me even more was seeing who came out on top once the reviewing process was over (see here for more details on the reviewing process). The post-indie stylings of Rare Monk, hook driven songs written by Just Lions, progressive musical experiments conducted by Sama Dams and the dreamscapes that only Soft Shadows can create deserve inclusion in our Best of 2013 list as much as any band nominated by our jurors. Be sure to check these bands out and vote for your favorites here. - Benjamin Toledo