Panda Swim - 'Downer' EP Review

Alt-rock trio from the Isle of Wight, Panda Swim released their 4-track EP 'Downer' on Friday 23rd April.

Frontman Stu, drummer Guy and bassist Joe have produced an EP full of feelings and story-telling songs of how life changes over time.

The EP starts with 'School Of Fools' touching on the cruelties of early life and those problem school years when all you want to do is play a guitar! Progressing to current times and adult life "You were always gonna be my number one, now I've got two daughters and I've got a son".

Their latest single, and track 2: 'Oceans' is reminiscent of early Weezer with a powerful introduction leading in to lyrics about putting your life and love on hold; "You can steal my love away, lock it up for another day. Take me far into the ocean dear, I'll pick up my heart next year."

Stu describes the third track, 'Way Out' as being written at a time when he found himself "in one of those unexplainable lows where you feel alone...unable to find a way back to your former self." Possibly my favourite track, although I said that about 'Oceans' too... it talks about life passing you by and needing a way out when you can't seem to escape.

The final track on the digital EP, 'Lose Myself' repeats the lyric; "I can't lose myself" throughout the song, reminding you that you can't live by the opinions of other people saying you don't belong and putting you down. "Honey you're wearing me out" sums up the feeling.

If you buy the EP on vinyl, there is a bonus track; 'Big House' and you can get hold of this here.

The guitar driven sound and smart vocal melodies make this EP 15 minutes of brilliance. Fans of Pixies and Weezer would love this! With lots of catchy, repeating choruses and big sounds, the narrative of each song on the EP makes it easy to listen and relate too very quickly.

You can listen to 'Downer' on Spotify here.

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