The Sifting Pan

January 27, 2015
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FMLYBND – [Letting Go]

FMLYBND have quite the positive reputation back home at Isla Vista, CA

FMLYBND – Letting Go:

FMLYBND might not be a name you recognize at the moment, but I urge you to pay close attention to the wonderful music these mega talented synth rockers are pumping out. Releasing jam after to jam over the last two years, it’s definitely safe to say this six piece is poised to go big places. I’m already stumped as to what’s taking everyone so long to catch on, but, like usual, these hidden gems take awhile to surface into the mainstream. I doubt that will be a problem in 2015 as FMLYBND has made the ultimate promise to their fans, and the world, to release a new single every month. So keep an eye on their Soundcloud!

Letting Go is FMYLBND’s chillingly delightful release for the month of January. So much allure to be found in the heart pumping synth hook that laces its way throughout the track. Which rests only to give the other lovely elements, that are indeed crucial to the song’s success, a chance to shine. If this is the appeasing direction and fulfilling sound that the band is heading towards, than I am going to go ahead and double down on my level excitement for these consummate Californians. I tremble before the idea of a full album.

Speaking of excitement, FMLYBND have announced they will be playing the 2nd annual Big Guava Music Festival (May 8th-9th) located in Tampa, Florida. So of course I went ahead and bought a pre-sale ticket, and I tell no lies when I say that FMLYBND being on the bill was a huge push in making the early purchase. I had no idea this amazing group would be finding their way to my humble state so soon. I just couldn’t pass on this perfect opportunity, and I can’t wait to see you wonderful lot make my day come this May!

Twitter Handle: @fmlybnd
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FMLYBND
Spotify: FMLYBND

January 23, 2015
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Mesita – [Together] + [Heard You’re Happy]

Master experimental musician Mesita is based out of Colorado

Mesita – Together:

James Cooley, the one man army behind Mesita, has arisen from the ashes to brandish his latest album The Phoenix, which after countless delays has finally been unleashed upon the world. If you have neglected listening to this sixth and latest album you are truly doing yourself a great disservice. You’ve been missing out on the frustrations and raw passion of a man that is capable of evoking feelings of tranquility at the same table he serves up spite for those who have wronged him in the past. The whole thing is streaming in full on YouTube so there are absolutely zero excuses for not giving The Phoenix a chance.

One of my favorite picks from the new album has to be the the upbeat yet apathetic track Together. I don’t believe there is a single thing about this song I’d have changed. It’s always so hard to hone in on one specific aspect of a Mesita track that stands out, and that’s because usually it is the carefully calculated combination of sounds that breath life into his mixes. Together is no different in that this confection is best served with all its many pieces in tack. If I had to choose a highlight it would be the warm feeling in my tummy every time I hear those guitar noodles about a minute and eighteen seconds in.

Mesita wastes no time putting the people who have crossed in him in their rightful place, and he chooses to do so in manner that refuses to sacrifice aesthetics. Heard Your’re Happy is the very first track off of The Phoenix and is extremely gutsy, beyond gritty, and, at times, even galvanizing. Coming in at just under 7 minutes of play time, this epic tale oscillates between blissful piano induced nirvana and gut-wrenching guitar distortion. It’s as if God and the Devil himself were caught up in a raging arm wrestling match of divine scale and Mestia just happened to be there to soundtrack it all. And for that I thank him.

Mesita – Heard You’re Happy:

If you are interested in learning any more at all about Mestia, and what kind of influences went into the making of The Phoenix, you can check out the interview I did with him back in July of 2014.

Twitter Handle: @mesitamusic
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mesitamusic
Spotify: Mesita

January 16, 2015
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Purity Ring – [begin again] + [push pull]

The Canadian experimental electronic oddity known as Purity Ring has returned

Purity Ring – [begin again]:

The off beat magnetism of Purity Ring is presenting itself in full force on their latest release begin again. It’s as if a dark charm has begotten further adoration for Megan James and Corin Roddick and their crafty electronic nature. The new song does a tremendous job of striking a balance in the clash between their typical bizarre self and a new found sound that wouldn’t be too out of place at the local club. Personally, I find their mix of piano with a dance floor banger to be simply fun, but it has to be Megan James haunting vocals that keep me coming back to this addictive track again and again.

push pull is Purity Ring’s first release in two years and I would say is a quintessential example of the odd, but enchanting, sound the band is widely known for. The backdrop of electronic noises on this one aren’t so much a part of the background as they manage to pierce their way to forefront. That’s not to say Megan’s vocals are downplayed at all, because she, again, is a major pull in the listenability of this song. I just happen to prefer the new and exciting focus the band is taking over the old, but reliable, smorgasbord.

Purity Ring – [push and pull]:

Purity Ring have also announced the release date and title of their second album. Here is the ten track listing of Another Eternity which should be released on 3/3/15:

heartsigh 
bodyache
push pull
repetition
stranger than earth
begin again
dust hymn
flood on the floor
sea castle
stillness in woe

Twitter Handle: @PURITY_RING
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/purityringmusic
Spotify: Purity Ring

January 15, 2015
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HOLYCHILD – [Running Behind]

Self-described brat pop band HOLYCHILD is the teamwork of Liz and Louie

HOLYCHILD – Running Behind:

HOLYCHILD treat us to a new kind of sugar-coated brashness through their unique brand of over-the-top brat pop. It’s noisy, upbeat, and all up in your face. Very similar to the way the life of the party undoubtedly makes their presence known. With a bite as delicious as Running Behind I’m not sure much can be done to stop the world from discovering and indulging into this creative duo based out of Los Angeles.

With just one EP, titled MINDSPEAK, and a new satisfying single under their belt HOLYCHILD are already well on their way to dominating the American festival circuit this year. With Running Behind being such a promising tune it’s easy to see why this zany team has so many early backers. They have also recently stated that their debut album should see a release in the coming months of 2015. So be prepared for new material to surface from these unconventional up and comers real soon. I have no doubts that the pair will surpass our expectations with candy coated delights for all.

Twitter Handle: @HOLYCHILD
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/holychildmusic
Spotify: HOLYCHILD

January 12, 2015
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The Dø – [Trustful Hands] + [Sparks]

Fantastic French/Finnish freak folk duo The Dø is comprised of Dan Levy & Olivia Merilahti

The Dø – Trustful Hands:

It’s always exciting when your favorite freak folksters of the last 10 years release a new album. Even better when it stands out as a particularly strong addition to their already glorious repertoire. The Dø’s third album Shake Shook Shaken has not seen a world wide release yet, but the majority of the album has made it’s way onto Spotfiy and Soundcloud. All of the early releases are worth listening, but I really wanted to take the time to share the most recent songs that have been unveiled.

Trustful Hands is a laid-back tune that contains everything one might expect, and enjoy, from The Dø. From the always lovely acoustic noodles to the electronic percussion swells, it’s a song that attempts covers all it’s bases. I believe it has done so to much success, as fans old and new should be able to rally around such a whimsicality. It should be noted, however, that they are definitely headed in direction centered more around heavy production and experimentation within the realm of electronic based sounds.

Quite possibly my favorite new track so far, Sparks falls on to the darker and growing electronic side of The Dø’s expansive musical spectrum, and with that darkness comes a formidable intensity that will try to consume you in a desperate cry for introspection. Olivia’s alluring vocals call out in a siren song that you will surly find irresistible. It’s likely that I’d crash my ship into jagged rocks and drown while being captivated by this song.

The Dø – Sparks: