The Sifting Pan

Helping you find those Indie Gems!

Tag Archives: Alternative


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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.


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Song of the Day! Grouplove – Colours

Grouplove may have formed in Crete, but they are based in Los Angeles, CA

For a group of five strangers that met each other in Crete, i’d say they make some pretty fine music. Grouplove was formed when the members all befriended one another and realized their similar aspirations to make music while in Greece. Since forming, the band has put together the Grouplove EP and is currently hard at work on their debut album set to release sometime in September. Now September is quite a ways away but I’m perfectly fine with soaking in the bands EP and their first single Colours. I rather enjoy the off centric vocal delivery of lead singer Christian Zucconi and the way it keeps my ears from straying away. You can hear the amount of heart that all of Grouplove puts into their music when listening to Colours and I really love bands with a true passion for what they do. Grouplove are finishing up their UK tour before they switch over to North America where they will be touring with Sifting Pan alumni Walk The Moon. For full tour dates check out their website.



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Song of the Day! The Dead Weather – The Difference Between Us


The Dead Weather bring us their wonderful collaboration from Nashville, Tennessee

Ok, so what if The Difference Between Us isn’t the newest song to come out, but it does not change the fact that it is an excellent song by a band consisting of an alternative rock dream team- Alison Mosshart (of The Kills), Jack White (of The White Stripes and The Raconteurs), Dean Fertita (of Queens of the Stone Age) and Jack Lawrence (of The Raconteurs and The Greenhornes). The Dead Weather released their second and latest album Sea of Cowards nearly a year ago this time and it still holds the same pristine value to me now as it did then. The album excels in dishing out bluesy grunge rock that just hits you hard and not to mention amazing vocals that switch between Mosshart and Mr. White. After countless spins in my car’s CD player and tons of scrobbles through Itunes it was rather easy to come to the conclusion that Sea of Cowards was one of the best albums of 2010. I could easily go track by track listening without issue, in fact I enjoy the songs that much more when I listen to the album front to back. If you haven’t had the chance to listen to Sea of Cowards then stop what your doing and go find a copy, you will absolutely not regret it.


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Song of the Day! Joywave – Golden State

Joywave discuss the Golden State from Rochester, New York, odd…

Vibrant indie rock that is right in sync with today’s progressive alternative music scene. Golden State is a like a nice sweet piece of indie music pie with just the right amount of everything inside. This crusty and delicious single has managed to earned a spot on my most played list of recent times. All baked good similes aside, Joywave’s music seems rather similar to music you might find the indie music market today, but still somehow maintains a unique sound of its own. I wish I knew more about Joywave but it seems that the band did not form until the very end of 2010 and can still be considered very new. One nice thing I found out it is that Joywave released an 11 track mixtape for free in March. If you’re interested in getting your hands on the mixtape titled 77777 then you can head over to Joywave’s website.