The Sifting Pan

Helping you find those Indie Gems!

Tag Archives: British


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Song of the Day! Hard-Fi – Stop

Hard-Fi - Stop

Hard-Fi know how to Stop a room full of people with their exciting Alternative British Rock.

Stop. Well, that’s at least what I did when this little gem of a track decided to make itself know me. I really can’t decide what the best part about this song is. It’s a toss up between the electric harmonica, fast and slick lyrics, or catchy as hell chorus. I guess i’m going to have to choose option D. All of the Above. I’m seriously digging this tune right now, in fact I’m digging all the tunes on Hard-Fi’s recently released album Killer Sounds. I dug into the album head first after hearing Stop and boy do I regret nothing. This is music! I’m very pleased to be hearing such a solid sound coming out of the UK right now. This is some great good ol’ indie rock but what Hard-Fi has gone and done is infuse these amazing electro instruments and styles into their music as well. The result being some incredibly fresh music at a time when old tricks are being reused in the indie genre.

It’s good to note that Hard-Fi are not at all a new band on the scene. Having formed in 2003 the band has already put out three studio albums, two of which peaked at #1 on the UK music charts. It wasn’t until some random point when I was listening to Killer Sounds that I realized this is the same Hard-Fi that released the awesome song Cash Machine in 2005. You remember how great that track was back in the day? I sure do. It makes coming full circle and rediscovering this amazing band again 6 years later all the better. Believe me when I say you’ll be seeing more Hard-Fi on The Sifting Pan soon.

Here’s the link to Hard-Fi’s Facebook page. Go give them that thumbs up likey thingy bands enjoy getting so much.


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Song of the Day! Kasabian – Pistols At Dawn

Kasabian - Pistols At Dawn

Kasabian are just about ready to drop their 4th album, Velociraptor! from the UK

The UK alternative rock titans Kasabian are just weeks away from the September 19th release date of their 4th studio album, Velociraptor! and what does the band go and do? They decide now’s a good to time to drop some B-sides that won’t be present on the upcoming album. So yes, the song Pistols At Dawn won’t be present on their new album but that does not change the fact that this song rocks! If Kasabian produced this quality of song and then said, “Meh this isn’t up to par with our new album’s standards.” What could the world possibly be in store for with Velociraptor!? I mean Kasabian is one of the hugest band’s in the world right? (outside the United States at least) So they know whatever they do has got to be better then great. If you want to hear the first taste of Velociraptor! then I suggest you check out the song Switchblade Smiles.

Piecing together Pistols At Dawn and Switchblade Smiles I can take a good assumption that Kasabian are going back to the electro rock roots of their first two albums, but at the same time keeping the amazing sound they had mastered on West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. What I truly want to see happen is Kasabian gain a huge fan base in the states so that they’d be more inclined to come tour here. This might help a bit but I find it ironic for a band that sees little attention in American music and media to be playing a special September 11th Memorial Concert in NYC. It’s kinda like Elton John putting on a show in memory of Pearl Harbor.

Head over to Kasabian’s Facebook page for more news about their upcoming album and tour dates. Also don’t forget to give them a Like!


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Song of the Day! Bombay Bicycle Club – Lights Out, Words Gone

Bombay Bicycle Club - A Different Kind of Fix

Bombay Bicycle Club have released their spectacular 3rd album, A Different Kind of Fix.

I love Bombay Bicycle Cub. Period. In fact why summarize anything when I could leave you with just this simple statement and song. But I guess it couldn’t hurt to go into detail about how spot on A Different Kind of Fix is. It over joys me to see the band return to the electric rhythms of their debut album I Had the Blues but I Shook Them Loose. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the band’s acoustic 2nd album Flaws, but when I listen to Bombay Bicycle Club I like it loud, fast, and plugged in. I should note that elements of Flaws are present on A Different Kind of Fix but do so infused with the band’s electric stylings (See Beggars).

Then we reach the songs that shine above the others. Like, if youhave not heard the lead single Shuffle from the new album you need to go check it out right now. However, if you’re here then I assume you are already familiar with Shuffle and want more BBC. That’s where the ridiculously laid-back and catchy track Lights Out, Words Gone comes in. I mean if you had clicked play on the track right way then by the time you’ve read down to here you should have had the self realization this track is something else. Soft yet bold. Swift but gentle. This song defies music generalizations. This one has seen the repeat button many times in the last week.

Lights Out, Words Gone is just the tip of the ice burg that is A Different Kind of Fix. They only way you’ll be able to know for yourself is by finding a copy of your own. Good luck to those wanting to get their hands on one soon outside the UK since they have only released it within the UK. I have my deluxe edition of A Different Kind of Fix ordered and on its way from the UK right now. I can not wait to hold in my hands a physical CD of my favorite album so far in 2011.

Also it’s definitely worth mentioning that Bombay Bicycle Club are holding a contest to see who can make the best music video for Lights Out, Words Gone. I would love to take this on but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to do this song justice. Contest: http://genero.tv/BombayBicycleClub/.


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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! The Subways – It’s A Party

The Subways always make sure It's A Party in England.

Does anybody remember a [not so] little song from back in 2005 called Rock & Roll Queen? Well the same underground British rockers are back from a long absence of music making. The Subways bring a huge level of excitement with their new single I’ts A Party. The new song delivers some pretty heavy indie rock at you upbeat and fast. I’m also pretty sure the song was written to get a crowd all wrawled up so don’t be alarmed when you find your heart beat elevated to the sound of the music. Hopefully more tunes with the idea of partying in mind come our way when The Subways’ new album comes out this September, with the third LP being titled Money & Celebrity.

Official Music Video for It’s A Party by The Subways. Be prepared for the large crowds and elbows.

 

Like The Subways on Facebook. These guys are bringing back British Alternative Rock the best way possible.

P.S: I hope to have my own computer back soon with all my music on it. Till then I’ll be limited on my new music and might have to revert back to some classic indie gems for awhile.