The Sifting Pan

Helping you find those Indie Gems!

Author Archives: TheSiftingPan


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Song of the Day! The Kooks – Junk of the Heart (Happy)

The Kooks - Junk of the Heart (Happy)

The Kooks give us Junk of the Heart from their home town of Brighton, England

You’ve got to like it when a band you know and love releases new material that is rather familiar sounding, but at the same time very evolved and headed in a different direction. So far, from what I’ve heard on the new album titled Junk of the Heart, I would say The Kooks are really trying to mix things up and try new things this time around. I can not be too set on anything though because I haven’t heard the album in its entirety yet. This mainly being due to Junk of the Heart having a release date of September 12th. I’m sure The Kooks will have plenty of tracks that appease its fans all across the board. I do, however, think it’s safe to say fans have taken well to the title track and first single released, Junk of the Heart (Happy). That signature catchy chorus indie pop is present along with the band’s known talent of having complete dominance over indie rock as a genre. I’m sure Junk of the Heart will have plenty of spotlight when it comes out next month but I just thought I’d share a nice song from a band I have enjoyed numerous times over the years and watched as they’ve gained popularity.

I’m sure they really don’t need the Likes, but its the thought that counts. Head on over to The Kook’s Facebook Page and express your thoughts.


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Song of the Day! Eisley – The Valley

Eisley - The Valley

Eisley perhaps found their inspirations for The Valley in their hometown of Tyler, Texas.

What is there to enjoy about a well established indie rock/pop act from east Texas? Pretty much everything I’d say. The band Eisley, made up of all siblings from the DuPree family, has been around since it signed with Warner Brothers Records in 2003, but I’ve just now been exposed to them this year. This is due to the release of their third full-length album The Valley earlier this year in March. However, it wasn’t until this summer I heard the track The Valley off Eisley’s new album, that goes by the same name, and I absolutely was sucked in. The sweet and delicate vocals of Stacy DuPree compliment the paced and steady rock music produced by the rest of the band so well. Something about this music is just tranquil and it almost seems as though Eisley manages to capture a beautiful novelized version of the world through their new album The Valley. While seemingly slow at times, this is an album to leave for those days when your heart rate is low and your thoughts are clear. And so what if maybe the female gender might be more inclined to like this music then their male counterparts? I’m a man and I happen to think this music is beautifully bad-ass.

If you also find Eisley’s music to be beautiful or bad ass then you should Like them on Facebook!


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Song the Day! Clap Clap Riot – Everyone’s Asleep

Clap Clap Riot - Everyone's Asleep

Clap Clap Riot are an undiscovered indie rock band from Auckland, New Zealand

Clap Clap Riot is just one of those bands that really do live up to their name. This is evident within seconds of starting the band’s single Everyone’s Asleep. *Clap*Clap*Clap* And then begins that oh so addicting chorus line. Things get even better when you add in the gritty guitar riffs and steady tempo of melodic beats that persist throughout this foot stomper. I am very shocked at the lack of hype around this track. Under 300 last.fm listeners and under 10,000 youtube plays, so I’d say these guys are pretty off the radar. The thing about a song as likable Everyone’s Asleep is that it won’t stay hidden for long. This one’s going to jump a few rungs on the musical ladder, mark my words. What’s even better is that these guys are still fresh and have time to develop their sound even further before attracting a huge following. It’s just a matter of letting time and buzz take its course at this point.

Here’s the official music video for Everyone’s Asleep. Don’t let the all zombies frighten you.

As always, you should check out the band’s Facebook Page. I’m sure Clap Clap Riot appreciate the love and like.


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Song of the Day! Beastie Boys – Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win (featuring Santigold)

Beastie Boys play to win from New York City

I know that your probably saying, hold on a sec Beastie Boys aren’t very indie! In the sincere sense of the word, No. But in the very malleable and loose definition of the musical genre, Yes. I’d actually fight more for the indie because these guys are dinosaurs in musicians terms and have been producing against the grain and independent hip hop for decades. Now I’ve never been a huge fan of the Beastie Boys music but over the years as I’ve grown up I’ve become open to more then just a select few singles of theirs. Then earlier on in 2011 they dropped Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 on us and this was a game changer for me. After hearing Make Some Noise I was curious enough to try out the new album to see if the rest was similar.

While at first listen it’s very clear that Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 is a Beastie Boys album, it’s also something completely different then you might expect from an old school hip hop trio. My curiosity led to the discovery of the incrediabily chill and laidback tune of Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win. That horn clears the air so the Beastie Boy’s have your full attention for this reggae-esque head bopper. Add in one of my favorite female artist, Santigold, as a guest singer and it’s hook, line, and sinker for me. I’m all about this subtle jam right now and am rather worried at the rate my play counts are going up for it. I don’t want my itunes thinking I’m head over heels for Beastie Boys, now do I.

Enjoy the action figure plagued video of Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win (Featuring Santigold). The Beastie Boys have some continually ill adventures i’d say.

Don’t forget to like them Beastie Boys on Facebook now!


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Song of the Day! DOM – Living In America

DOM - Living In America

DOM help point out just how sexy it is to be Living In America.

Countless songs have been gnawing away at my brain for the past month or so and finally having a new computer I can get back to sharing the songs that I feel need to be heard. Driven by infectious electro beats, Living In America has been one of those very songs that refused to let my mind be at ease with a what I would call a unique chorus that just feels right to sing along to. DOM has created one of those songs where repetition is never an issue and you might even go as far as hitting the repeat button once (or even twice). What I’m trying to say is that Living In America never really loses its appeal and I’m rather surprised by the lack of hype around this Massachusetts indie pop band. I’m sure with the right spotlight these guys would blow up. There was a decent amount of buzz around the band’s debut EP Sun Bronzed Greek Gods, which features Living In America, but nothing too gripping. Having just released a new EP, Family of Love, the public will once again look at DOM to see if they have what it takes to keep to the high standards they’ve set for themselves. While there are some rather weak tracks on their new EP, I’d like to say that the other strong ones more then make up for it.

Here is the music video for Living In America. Well don’t they just look like they’re having a blast.


Head over to DOM’s Facebook Page and give them a like!