Skip to main content

Panda Swim - 'Downer' EP Review

 

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.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Greysha - 'Gold Glaze' Single Review

  19 year old, Shropshire based singer/songwriter Greysha released 'Gold Glaze' on 20th October.  A beautiful and reflective song about looking back at key events in your life. Told from the perspective of growing up it touches on lots of subjects many teenagers will recognise in themselves, not wanting to be in class, rebellious piercings, also however the more serious and poignant subjects of family and looking back at happier times.  As a subscriber to her mailing list from back when I bought the CD of her previous single 'Aspirin' , Greysha said of 'Gold Glaze' on release "I have poured my soul and a little part of who I am into this" The inflection and emotion she puts into the vocals literally make you feel this is true. A track with layered harmonies and cinematic strings, you smile and you even sing along to the "Gold Glaze" part but you also feel Greysha's pain at times..."Tell the darkness to stay back another day"  Gr...
1 comment
Read more

'Salem II' EP Review

  'Salem II' EP Review Grace Calver Salem are front-vamp Will Gould (also of the band Creeper) and guitarist Matthew Reynolds, they burst onto the scene with The Apathy Ball and the release of their debut single 'Destroy Me' last year. Today (Friday 7th May) they release their second EP titled 'Salem II'. One of the main things I love about them and this EP is the imagery created with the lyrics and music. The lexical fields of vampires, love and darkness that can be found through all of the songs, paired with the gothic, theatrical and punky sound.  There is an eerie start to this EP with the introduction of the first track; 'William, It Was Really Nothing' before the punchy guitars explode in. A nod to The Smiths' 'William, It Was Really Nothing', this song is a theatrical masterpiece - with dominating vocals supported by a stunning, gothic choir and powerful guitars. This contrasts beautifully with the gentle bell, piano and wind chime sou...
Post a Comment
Read more

My Favourite Memories from Gigs

My Favourite Memories from Gigs (All of these photos and videos were taken by me and are my own personal videos) With the news that concerts may be returning from 21st of June, I got myself some tickets booked, in the hopes that I may get to do some gig reviews! This got me thinking back to all the concerts I've been to before, so I've decided to share some of my favourite memories and experiences from gigs! 1. Remington Leith Concerning the Health and Safety Officials! I went to see Palaye Royale at Shepherd's Bush O2 Empire on the 21st February 2020. It was the most exciting concert I've ever been to, and it ended with frontman Remington Leith climbing up onto the balcony and hanging upside down! I was lucky enough to meet the band at their pop-up shop the next day, and Remington told me his mum wasn't impressed with the danger he was putting himself in!  2. Awsten Knight's Superpower On the 1st of February 2020, I had VIP tickets to see Waterparks in the Elec...
2 comments
Read more