Look Out in ‘93: 11 Locals to Watch

E clecticism is the keyword among the top 1992 freshmen of Southern California, where rap and retro, grunge and industrial, escapism and confrontation all coexist in a happily active melting pot. Here’s a look at the 11 new area acts who have made the biggest splash this year:

Medicine: Together less than two years, this neo-industrial Los Angeles rock band led by Brad Laner is a promising addition to the growing list of groups--including the Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine--that approximate life’s torments and contradictions by layering elements of beauty (evidenced in its sweet melodies and the soothing vocals of Beth Thompson) against a relentless instrumental attack.