The Sifting Pan

Helping you find those Indie Gems!

Tag Archives: Indie Rock


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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


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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

 

Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow


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Best Albums of 2014 #2.) Bombay Bicycle Club – So Long, See You Tomorrow

Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow

released in February 2014 via Island Records (UK)/Vagrant Records (US)

Here’s where predisposition starts entering the mix of things. Since their 2007 debut, Bombay Bicycle Club has solidified itself as my favorite band in all of existence. So for them to have a nice and safe spot in my top 3 is hopefully not too surprising. Heck, even if I got over my personal bias this album would still probably be in my top 10! Listening to So Long, See You Tomorrow was like falling in love with the band all over again. Their latest album is a rich and symphonic experience that tantalizes the senses into a frenzy that leaves behind little room for disappointment.

My favorite English indie rockers have shown to the world once again the insane amount of growth that can achieved in one album’s time. Doing so this time by showing off how the many of different cultures of the world that have made such a profound impact on them. Bombay Bicycle Club definitely understand the importance of learning about a culture if your going to appropriate its distinct sound. They are not shy at all for accrediting their new direction to the beautiful countries they have spent the last couple years traveling and learning so much about.

A simple test to see if So Long, See You Tomorrow is the kind of vibe you can get down to is by giving the exhilarating track Feel a go. You’re either with Bombay Bicycle Club or… oh well I guess it’s your loss!

Favorite Tracks:
Feel
Luna
Carry Me
Whenever, Wherever
Overdone
It's Alright Now

Twitter Handle: @BombayBicycle
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bombaybicycleclub
Spotify: Bombay Bicycle Club

Spoon - They Want My Soul


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Best Albums of 2014 #3.) Spoon – They Want My Soul

Spoon - They Want My Soul

released in August 2014 via Loma Vista Recordings

Veteran indie rockers Spoon have managed to stay relevant for over two decades, and it’s a trend that certainly shows no sign of stopping. Their eighth and latest album, They Want My Soul, is the equivalent of getting hit by a truck and having all that you hold dear flash before your eyes. You may think I’m being hyperbolic, but Spoon decided to show up with a colossal sound that will smack you right through memories of days previously forgotten.

Every single track taken from They Want My Soul could be commemorated as sheer brilliance. These gents have had years to hone their talents and craft so it should come as no surprise just how damn good this album truly is. What does come as a surprise is the gentle pat on the back from listeners. As if to say, “Aww, that’s nice Spoon. Here’s a gold star. We know your amazing, but we’ve all but moved on already.” It’s disappointing to see a lack of sincere acknowledgement, but it should not matter as long as Spoon just keeps on doing whatever the hell magical thing they consistently do.

I’d wait another ten years to hear an album by Spoon, if it means it as structured and wholesome as They Want My Soul.

Favorite Tracks:
I Just Don't Understand
Knock Knock Knock
New York Kiss
Outlier
Inside Out
Let Me Be Mine

Twitter Handle: @spoontheband
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/spoontheband
Spotify:  Spoon

The Holidays - Reel Feel


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Best Albums of 2014 #9.) The Holidays – Real Feel

The Holidays - Reel Feel

released in February 2014 via Liberation

It’s hard to have a care in the world once you find yourself lost in the vibrant world of Real Feel. 2014 direly needed an album with endless feel-good riffs, and The Holidays came forth with an extraordinary solution. Real Feel is a musical journey through a tropical paradise that feels all too real. Track by track, the album takes you on a grand tour of the most remote and gorgeous parts of Oceania.

Yes, this brilliant composition of tunes will literally make you feel like you’re in a whole other hemisphere. The Holidays have indeed created a rich and textured world through their laid back indie rock finesse. Never has something so chill also been this damn exhilarating. It’s a damn shame that these Australian gentlemen don’t get more exposure in the States. Their latest album deserves some serious commemoration for the ten tracks of true sun-soaked bliss contained within.

So whenever you might need an escape from this dreary world…
You can always apparate there in a moments notice with Real Feel!

Favorite Tracks:
Voices Drifting
Japan Window
Simple Pleasures
Long Now
All Time High

Twitter Handle: @theholidays
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theholidaysband
Spotify:  The Holidays