The Sifting Pan

Helping you find those Indie Gems!

Tag Archives: 2011


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Song of the Day! Morning Parade – Under The Stars


Morning Parade formed under the stars in Harlow, Essex, England.

Music Video: Under The Stars

So I wake up this morning and do my normal routine of a shower and a bowl of cereal, all the while listening to my favorite Dutch internet radio station streaming out the best new indie tracks. Then this little number comes on a draws me in and doesn’t let go. Under The Stars has a beautiful upward stride that just builds anticipation that levels out just right and then takes off. I haven’t heard such wonderful guitar struts since Foals’ first album Antidotes. Having only heard Under The Stars for the first time this morning I have not yet had a chance to dig into Morning Parade’s recent release of the Under The Stars EP. From what I’ve read comparing the band to Foals really isn’t too far off track but I’m probably not giving Morning Parade enough credit for their own wonderful sound. The band is set to release their debut album sometime before the end of 2011 and you can bet that The Sifting Pan will be revisiting these indie rockers when more news of a debut comes into the light.



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Song of the Day! The Naked and Famous – Punching In A Dream

The Naked and Famous are punching into our dreams from New Zealand

Music Video: Punching In A Dream

There is undoubtably something magical about The Naked and Famous. Their music has the capability of taking you to a wonderful place that is free of the world’s woes and seems to transcend so many genre barriers. If you haven’t done so already I suggest you go listen to their amazingly beautiful song Young Blood right now. But today is about the awesome electro-clash track Punching In A Dream. Whimsical synth-beats are abound in The Naked and Famous’s third single from their debut album Passive Me, Aggressive You. After so much success with the release of their debut in their home country of New Zealand these kiwis decided that its only right to take on the world and officially released Passive Me, Aggressive You worldwide on March 14th through Polydor Records. If your as big of a fan of simple and good electro-pop as I am then you need to get your hands on this record ASAP- you will not regret it.


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Song of the Day! Wolf Gang – Lions In Cages


Wolf Gang keeps the lions in cages from London

Oh my goodness this sure is something sweet right here. Lions In Cages is new indie pop at its best and brightest. The chorus, the whistling guitar, and that steady beat all come together to make something extra special. Where did this Wolf Gang come from and how has he not made a name for himself already?! Apparently Wolf Gang is the solo effort of British singer/song writer Max McElligott and has already began touring with big names like Florence And The Machine, Miike Snow and Metric. If he keeps dishing out beautiful poppy tracks like this and I have no doubt that it will be him one day headlining a major tour. We can expect Wolf Gang’s debut album Suego Faults to be released on June 27th. Now excuse me as I scower the internet to find every Wolf Gang track I can get my hands on in the mean time.


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Song of the Day! The Vaccines – Post Break-Up Sex


The Vaccines want to help you forget your 'Ex' from London

I may be a little late on the game for this one but there was no way of getting around me posting The Vaccines mega-catchy single Post Break-Up Sex. Officially released way back in January, the world has had months for this woe of a lovers tale to soak in and has already seen a release on The Vaccines debut album What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?. Post Break-Up Sex is about as catchy as it is a true testament to the troubles of leaving a relationship behind. This chorus will literally not leave your brain alone until you find something more catchy or at least equal to it (And good luck with that!). You just  gotta love the mix of British indie rock and alternative punk that is The Vaccines. These Brits are bound for greatness and have already been nominated for MTV’s Best New Band of 2011 award, not like thats saying much but it’s still a great start.


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Song of the Day! Ida Maria – Bad Karma


Ida Maria brings all kinds of Bad Karma from Nesna, Norway

I honestly think that nothing but good can come from Ida Maria’s Bad Karma. This foot stomping rock’n’roll track echos the likeness of female pioneer rocker Joan Jett. I’m really digging the classic sound and wouldn’t expecting anything less from the rebellious queen of new Norwegian rock. Bad Karma is a single from her upcoming second album Katla, which already saw a release in Norway last fall but isn’t set for an international release until June 7. Her debut album Fortress Round My Heart was a brilliant way to come on to the scene and has set the bar pretty high for a sophomore release. From what I’ve heard so far I don’t think we’ll be disappointed.

Fun Fact: The song Bad Karma is also featured in the soundtrack of Scream 4.