A brilliantly entertaining debut from the sharp-minded Cardiff group...
17 · 07 · 2025
Within just ten seconds of Panic Shack’s debut album hitting your ears, it’s clear that this band is the real deal. Their guitar pop is incredibly fun, blending the chug of the Ramones with concise guitar lines reminiscent of the Buzzcocks, all while featuring lyrics that are both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny.
This debut album is nearly impossible to criticize, as Panic Shack strives for all-killer, no-filler. The album opens with the exhilarating ‘Girl Band Starter Pack’, follows up with ‘Gok Wan’, a bold statement against toxic tabloid culture in the vein of the Runaways, and includes ‘Tit School’, which celebrates working-class women (and Double Ds) in a style similar to Amyl and the Sniffers.
A record bursting with peaks so intense it makes the Alps appear flat as a plastic football field, ‘Panic Shack’ is undoubtedly the most enjoyable British debut of the year. How could you not adore an album featuring a track called ‘We Need To Talk About Dennis’? And if ‘Unhinged’ doesn’t stir your emotions, it might be time for a hip replacement.
This girl gang isn't afraid to approach the edge—why else would they write a song titled ‘Thelma & Louise’? Panic Shack is united by a mission. While there’s no shortage of conscious punk around right now, this Cardiff band stands out by remembering that music should be fun. Preferring live venues to lecture halls, Panic Shack has created an exhilarating debut album that keeps you smiling like a fool while they tackle all the nonsense the world throws at them. An absolute treasure, crafted by four true gems.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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Within approximately 10 seconds of Panic Shack’s debut album blasting through your eardrums, you can tell this band is the real deal. Astonishingly enjoyable guitar pop.