The Sifting Pan

Helping you find those Indie Gems!

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Dappled Cities – [Run With The Wind]

Dappled Cities

The Australian experimental indie rockers, known as Dappled Cites, are back from hibernation

Dappled Cities – Run With The Wind:

Download Run With The Wind Here (Directly from the band’s Facebook Page)

Almost three painstakingly long years now. That’s how long I have been waiting so patiently for a follow up to Dappled Cities 2009 absolutely astonishing art rock/epic indie pop album Zounds. Now it seems as though my prayers have been answered and the knowledge of a new Dappled Cities album has been bestowed upon me. And not just new album knowledge but a full fledged single has surfaced so my level of excitement is quickly reaching critical mass! Run With The Wind is set to be the first single off the forthcoming album, currently only known as LP 4, and gives us some huge insight as to what to expect this time around. You can still hear the same rich multiple layers of progressive sounds that made Zounds so impressive, and from first listen of Run With The Wind it seems the band is willing to experiment even more with artful distortions and purposeful delays. Those signature falsetto vocals one can so easily match with Dappled Cities have found themselves incorporated once again along side finally crafted lyrics of methodological metaphoric madness. I have never been more ready for a new Dappled Cities album in my life and I eagerly await official news of a release date. Expect to hear more about these guys from me in the near future.

You should show some support and head over to Dappled Cities’ Facebook Page and give them a Like!

Or listen to Dappled Cities on Spotify!


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Superhumanoids – [Geri]

Superhumanoids

L.A band Superhumanoids make "music to help kiss the doldrums away"

Superhumanoids – Geri:

Come. Enter. Walk through the glowing dream-like doorway that Superhumanoids provide for us with their overtly enticing music. Throw-back synths and hauntingly docile vocals come together for the prefect blend of dreamy indie pop. The band’s latest track Geri had me hook, line, and sinker from the very first listen. Every aspect of this song compliments itself leaving me to find only perfection and zero faults. The only thing I might have to complain about is that the weaving musical dreamscape that makes up Geri is only a little more then two minutes long. I would love to hear something so magical and moving for a more extended period of time, but I guess a little slice of heaven is better then none. I’ve become terribly excited for Superhumanoids upcoming LP Exhibitionists even though there is no release date in sight. I’m sure all the patience in the world is worth what these dream makers have in store for us on a full album debut.

You should show your support and head on over to Superhumanoids’ Facebook Page and give them a Like!

American Royalty


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American Royalty – [Matchstick] + [I’ve Been Fighting For You]

American Royalty

American Royalty are Los Angeleos based psychedelic-blues rockers

American Royalty – Matchstick:

I guess I should tell you upfront that this track has a bit of a build up, sixty seconds of ongoing pleasant piano riffs, but if you can handle then your ears surely will be rewarded with the wonderful changing of pace. That change of pace is the psychedelic electronic frenzy that seems to play a huge influence on the brand of alternative rock made by American Royalty. It’s true that I could sit here all day trying to list genres that this unique band might encompass, but if I were to pick two from the crowd they’d have to be electronic and blues. Makes for a hell-of-a combination as is clearly evident by the head spinning Matchstick. (I mean come on! Did you hear that breakdown?!) However, this is far from the only note worthy track made by American Royalty. I’d easily recommend any of the three songs found on the band’s latest record Matchstick EP. I know three doesn’t seem like much but we’re talking about three completely solid individual jams, and at $1 a piece that sounds like a steal. American Royalty know how to set the bar real high and I can not wait until I can see what these guys do with a full album. I also highly recommend giving the bonus track I’ve Been Fighting For You a listen.

BONUS: American Royalty – I’ve Been Fighting For You:

Don’t forget to support American Royalty by heading over to their Facebook Page and give them a Like!

Or listen to American Royalty on Spotify!


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The Royal Concept – [Gimme Twice]

The Concept

The Royal Concept bring us their pop fueled indie rock from Stockholm, Sweden

The Royal Concept – Gimme Twice: 

I can understand someone’s immediate confusion when listening to this track for the first time. I know the first thought that popped in my head was ‘Is that Phoenix I am hearing?’ I wouldn’t necessarily call it a disappointment to find out that real artist behind this gnarly jam are the soon to pop Swedish indie rockers, The Royal Concept. Detta är indierock på det finaste! The pop infused simplicity and wonderful execution of Gimme Twice gives great reason to have your eyes (and ears!) on this band. The only thing disappointing I find about this band is the overall lack of material. This song is such a tease in the sense it leaves me wanting a full album to hit the up the beach side with and jam out to. While there is no news of a debut album yet, The Royal Concept have at least released one other single for our listening pleasure. I highly recommend checking out their additional track D-D-Dance, which keeps the fun going by picking up right where Gimme Twice leaves off.

Don’t forget to check out The Royal Concept’s Facebook page and give them a Like! You’ll  definitely want to be in the know for when these guys release some new tracks.


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Fort Wilson Riot – [For All The Little Things]

Fort Wilson Riot

Fort Wilson Riot are the Minneapolis-based duo of Amy Hager and Jacob Mullis

Fort Wilson Riot – For All The Little Things:

There is just something special about a boy/girl indie duo that bring together their strong suits to form something much more. Fort Wilson Riot seemingly capture both the tender and firm sides of the indie genre into one streamline sound that holds much stronger then if either member stood alone. The pair are like “peanut butter and jelly” or “macaroni and cheese”, it’s as simple as that. Everything about For All The Little Things is in perfect sync and exemplifies the talent of this promising indie rock partnership. What starts as a simple melodic stroll ends in a complex combination of vocal layering and amazing guitar breaks that run it all the way home. I seriously could listen to only the last two minutes of this song on repeat for hours and be pleased. The track was released off the band’s latest EP Generation Complex back in early December of last year, but that doesn’t stop this track from being a breath of fresh air in 2012. Right now I’m looking forward to dissecting all of Generation Complex as I await news of a future LP album from Fort Wilson Riot.

Head over to Fort Wilson Riot’s Facebook page and give them a Like! Show your support to a band that’s as independent as it gets.