Track Of The Day: Panic Shack – ‘Meal Deal’

Arriving just in time for Christmas sandwich season, the latest single from Cardiff’s Panic Shack celebrates the humble meal deal. Much like a bag of fancy crisps, ‘Meal Deal’ is two and a half minutes of pure joy. The crunchy bass and frenetic drums give off a proper punk energy, while the band’s yelping vocals make for an instant earworm. It’s both energetic and effortless, kind of reminiscent of Amyl and the Sniffers (if Amyl and the Sniffers were Welsh and harboured a love of cheap sandwiches).

‘Meal Deal’ is a stupid amount of fun, but Panic Shack don’t shy away from sharing an important message. The chorus of “Feed me, I’m fucking hungry!” and lyrics that explore the realities of working in an undervalued, underpaid job are a painful reminder of how tough life is at the moment (as if any of us could forget). It’s political, but a proper party banger too.  

Panic Shack’s passion – and their rage – is infectious. Following the successful release of their sold-out debut EP, Baby Shack, and with acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Steve Lamacq, I can’t wait to see the band spread it even further over the coming months. We need them! 

Baby Shack, the latest EP from Panic Shack, is out now – order here. Catch Panic Shack live on their upcoming headline tour, or supporting faves Yard Act later this year. Details here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

Photo Credit: Ren Faulkner

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Track Of The Day: Alex Lahey – ‘Congratulations’

‘Congratulations’, the latest single from Australian artist Alex Lahey is an irresistible slice of grunge-fuelled indie rock about your exes moving on and settling down with someone else. With its swaggering guitars and soaring vocals, it’s an anthemic, fist-pumping three-minutes, building from bittersweet to completely bad-ass.

Lahey’s songwriting and musicality really shine here. Reminiscent of Pixies and the incredible Du Blonde, this is lo-fi guitar rock delivered with such power, polish and energy that Lahey could have the power of a whole band behind her. I’m talking proper stadium rock vibes, and it begs to be played loud!

Emerging from the vibrant Melbourne scene that also gave us Courtney Barnett, ‘Congratulations’ shows Lahey is a force to be reckoned with. Her last new music in 2021, ‘On My Way’, made it to the soundtrack of Netflix’s The Mitchells Vs The Machines (NB. parents and carers to small people will have watched this at least a dozen times…) and with more new music to come from her this year, Lahey’s potential seems limitless.

‘Congratulations’ is out now via Liberation Records.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

Photo Credit: Pooneh Ghana

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Track Of The Day: Electric Pets – ‘That Way’

‘That Way’, the second single from Electric Pets’ debut EP is a bold, empowering battle-cry for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t fit in. Opening with the raw power of Emma Buckley’s unwavering vocal, the lyrics defiantly tell us who Buckley is and dismiss what others tell her she should be.   

But the song’s intimate, confessional tone soon steps up, buoyed by scuzzy, swaggering guitars, to become a proper garage-infused rock ‘n’ roll banger. Buckley sings: “Maybe I should bite my tongue and try to play the game?” But we know she won’t. This is a front-person – and a band – that doesn’t play by the rules. Of the track, Buckley explains:

“You could say ‘That Way’ is my autobiographical ‘f**k you’ to the music industry. I spent so long being too much of something to someone and not enough of the same thing for someone else. I needed to remind myself who I was.” 

And it really is the perfect redemption song. With its sassy, grown-up pop polish and uncompromising lyrics, ‘That Way’ is a great introduction to a band that are brave and completely badass. More please!

https://open.spotify.com/track/6F5FcWiqbtNzxcPPSpu9mt?si=04458fb72cf94c1a

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

‘That Way’ is taken from Electric Pets’ Rhinoceros EP, which is out soon on Reckless Yes records. 

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Track Of The Day: Nikki & The Waves – ‘E.L.C’

As a cord-loving Northerner, I had high hopes for this song by the Manchester-based Nikki & the Waves. And woah, ‘E.L.C.’ (exceptionally lovely corduroy) delivers! From the catchy opening chords to sounds of the band dissolving into laughter towards the end, the joy just pours out of this lo-fi electro-pop gem. 

‘E.L.C.’ is supposedly a celebration of the ordinary; the ‘beige’ things in life that we can take for granted. But the infectious bassline, funk-tinged production and irresistible chorus that celebrates every indie kid’s favourite fabric give it an otherworldly quality that’s anything but mundane.  

Front-person Nikki’s sweeping vocal elevates the song further, making ‘E.L.C.’ a radio (and dancefloor!) friendly tune that’s as much a pop banger as an indie floor-filler. With shades of The Orielles, it sparkles wonderfully with heaps of potential. 

‘E.L.C.’ is taken from Nikki & The Waves’ new EP, songs to play tennis to, which is produced by Joel Patchett (The Orielles) and set for release this Friday 24th June. Also, we cannot wait for Nikki & The Waves to headline for us at The Victoria on 12th August (with support from BAXTR and Panic Pocket) – get your tickets here.

Vic Conway
@thepicsofvic

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