The Sifting Pan

Helping you find those Indie Gems!

Tag Archives: American


by Leave a comment

Marian Hill – [Wasted] + [Lips]

Marian Hill - Wasted + Lips

Meet impressive Philadelphia based electronic pop duo Marian Hill.

Marian Hill – Wasted:

Marian Hill are a standout American duo that blend elements of jazz into sultry electronic music. Talented producer Jeremy Lloyd helps give life to the delightful vocals of Samantha Gongol that pierce across every track. One bite from any one of the tempting apples these two have concocted might leave one inoculated with their fresh brand of seductive indie pop. Wasted was the fruit of my downfall, and I suggest that you indulge into it as well.

Lips is another great example of the riptide allure the pair bring to the table. Combining delicious hooks with such a creative free flow of production is sure to gain them some well deserved attention. I just hope that listeners in the States are more prone to Marian Hill’s music than their similar sounding cousin’s across the pond AlunaGeorge. One listen of their newly released Sway EP and somehow I’m not that worried about anyone missing out. All seven tracks carry a special charm that can easily be enjoyed by us all.

Marian Hill – Lips:

Shout out to my local free format radio station 91.5 WPRK for introducing me to this lovely pair and their undeniable grip.

Twitter Handle: @MarianHillMusic
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MarianHillMusic
Spotify:  Marian Hill

Big Data - Snowed In (Feat. Rivers Cuomo)


by Leave a comment

Big Data – [Snowed In (Feat. Rivers Cuomo)]

Big Data - Snowed In (Feat. Rivers Cuomo)

Big Data operates out of New York

Big Data – Snowed In (Feat. Rivers Cuomo):

Big Data, the brain child of producer extraordinaire Alan Wilkis, is finally ready to grace us with another killer track, and it’s pretty much as dirty and glitch ridden as it gets. Snowed In is an electro thrash romper that infiltrates the body prompting rhythmic spasms of dance throughout. Obviously the title is a reference to NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden and is consistent with Big Data’s themes of mass surveillance and social media saturation, but we all know it wasn’t poignant politics that shot Big Data to top of the alternative charts last year.

That deliciously noxious beat isn’t the only wonderful thing this future banger has going on for it. Rivers Cuomo, lead signer and front man of Weezer, has lent his notable vocal talents to Big Data’s heavy arsenal. This collaboration is an outrageously intelligent decision, and a well executed one to boot. Cuomo’s vocals are just the stability needed to tame the erratic electronic production now widely known to pervade Big Data’s music.

Along with the release of Snowed In, Big Data has finally announced the release date and track listing for his upcoming debut album, simply titled 2.0. The highly anticipated album should be released on March 24th, and according to the track list we are in for some out of this world collaborations. Take a gander for yourself:

01 The Business of Emotion (Feat. White Sea)
02 Dangerous (Feat. Joywave)
03 Clean (Feat. Jamie Lidell)
04 The Glow (Feat. Kimbra)
05 Snowed In (Feat. Rivers Cuomo)
06 Big Dater
07 Automatic (Feat. Jenn Wasner)
08 Get Some Freedom (ft. Dragonette)
09 Sick For Me (Feat. Bear Hands)
10 Perfect Holiday (Feat. Twin Shadow)

To say I am stoked for the coming release of 2.0 is an understatement beyond belief…

Twitter Handle: @BigDataBigData
Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/BigDataBigData
Spotify:  Big Data


by Leave a comment

FMLYBND – [Letting Go]

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

Mesita - Together + Heard You're Happy


by Leave a comment

Mesita – [Together] + [Heard You’re Happy]

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

 


by Leave a comment

HOLYCHILD – [Running Behind]

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