The Sifting Pan

Helping you find those Indie Gems!

Tag Archives: Music


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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


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The Dø – [Trustful Hands] + [Sparks]

The Dø - Trustful Hands + Despair, Hangover & Ecstasy

Fantastic French/Finnish freak folk duo The Dø is comprised of Dan Levy & Olivia Merilahti

The Dø – Trustful Hands:

It’s always exciting when your favorite freak folksters of the last 10 years release a new album. Even better when it stands out as a particularly strong addition to their already glorious repertoire. The Dø’s third album Shake Shook Shaken has not seen a world wide release yet, but the majority of the album has made it’s way onto Spotfiy and Soundcloud. All of the early releases are worth listening, but I really wanted to take the time to share the most recent songs that have been unveiled.

Trustful Hands is a laid-back tune that contains everything one might expect, and enjoy, from The Dø. From the always lovely acoustic noodles to the electronic percussion swells, it’s a song that attempts covers all it’s bases. I believe it has done so to much success, as fans old and new should be able to rally around such a whimsicality. It should be noted, however, that they are definitely headed in direction centered more around heavy production and experimentation within the realm of electronic based sounds.

Quite possibly my favorite new track so far, Sparks falls on to the darker and growing electronic side of The Dø’s expansive musical spectrum, and with that darkness comes a formidable intensity that will try to consume you in a desperate cry for introspection. Olivia’s alluring vocals call out in a siren song that you will surly find irresistible. It’s likely that I’d crash my ship into jagged rocks and drown while being captivated by this song.

The Dø – Sparks:  

Twitter Handle: @thedoband
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thedoband
Spotfiy:  The Dø

Phantogram - Voices


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Best Albums of 2014 #1.) Phantogram – Voices

Phantogram - Voices

released in February 2014 via Republic Records

With out any regrets I can say that New York trip-hop duo Phantogram takes the crown for making my number one album of 2014. Voices was one of the earliest releases of the year, so I was worried that it might drift slowly down the list. Not a chance in slightest. Especially after seeing them live at a huge festival, and then up close and personal at a venue in my own town.

Took this photo-set over the summer at The Beachem in Orlando, FL

All the emotion and intensity, that so far only seemed possible through the outstanding production Phantogram is known for, is raised tenfold when in a live setting. They are one of those bands that most likely would not be happy unless your glass ceiling of exceptions were shattered. So in a dazzle of synchronized lights, and a mess of metaphorical glass, my perception of how genuine a band that I had adored for years could truly be was obliterated. Phantogram have grown so much internally, and externally, in the past couple years that it was nice to have that sort of reassurance.

Voices itself is quite an accomplishment for Sarah and Josh. 40 minutes of non-stop indie inspired electro beats that can fluctuate anywhere between a downtempo ballad, to a high energy synth shoegaze experience. I wish that half of the album was not recycled from an EP they released last year, but beggars can’t be choosers. So even if I still love their 2010 debut more I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I did not recognize 2014 as Phantogram’s most successful year to date. I’m more than happy to see that they have been getting the recognition that they have always deserved. With so much support and expectation it’s hard to explain how excited I am for what’s coming next.

Farewell 2014, and hello to all the marvelous opportunities that 2015 will bring to all the talented artists in this world!

Favorite Tracks:
Howling At The Moon
Black Out Days
Fall In Love
Celebrating Nothing
Bad Dreams
The Day You Died

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

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


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Best Albums of 2014 #4.) Banks – Goddess

Banks - Goddess

released in September 2014 via Harvest Records

No other female vocalist this year dug under my skin as deep as Banks. I’m sure I’m at odds with many, but I’ll stand by my choice to side with her sharp and piercing wit. I don’t think I could ever explain to anyone why Banks cuts into my soul so clean, nor should I ever have to. I’ve been waiting very patiently for the release of Goddess since I first heard the downtempo Warm Water (Snakehips Remix), and I must say her voice stuck out like vein of gold in the up and coming music landscape. After showing so much potential with a handful of other singles, there is little disappointment to be had in the way her debut came out. If dark and brooding electro beats with the voice of a goddess singing along appeal to you, then why not give Banks a try? Well, sometimes you come across a super somber piano track, but all the better right?

Banks certainly does not hold anything back on Goddess as she rips into the many people that have attempted to screw her over in the past. It’s strange how much you want to root for this girl to find a way out of it all, as she is obviously lost in a dark place. Somehow, though, I doubt she’ll be trapped much longer, because she has unknowingly exposed to us just how strong she really can be. I sincerely believe that triumph is coming for Banks and 2015 will most likely be the determining factor in that.

Favorite Tracks:
Waiting Game
This Is What It Feels Like
Beggin For Thread
Someone New
Brain
Under The Table

Twitter Handle: @hernameisbanks
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hernameisbanks
Spotify: Banks