The Panics are little known known group form Perth, Australia. They create a sound which i suppose could be compared to such bands as Radiohead and Coldplay. But instead of receieving world stardom they have remained, after having released 2 EP's and 2 full lenth albums, a small band from Perth. In other words, they have not sold out, they had/have the potential to, but they haven't.
This album 'Crack In The Wall' is the latest release of theirs and in my opinion is their best work yet. Although it only has 7 tracks, it holds some intensity to it, they aren't 'just some altern. indie band'.
The opener 'Southern' is a beautiful instrumental song, held together by a slow, heavy, echoing drum line. While the drums stay more or less the same the long line of other instruments slowly start taking the stage. Guitars, piano, and violins all coming together to create a unique, amazing multi-layerd sound.
Southern then flows into the most well known song on the album 'Cash'. This song, with it's catchy guitar riff's and cool piano riffs grabs your attention after having been so blown away by Southern. The progression of the chorus lyrics and music is one of the hit features of this song.
Then the album goes into it's slower, more personal and lyrically based songs like 'In Your Head' and 'Like An Aching Lung', but none are as personal or as moving as my favourite song on the album, 'Close Enough Ain't Good Enough'.
'Close Enough Ain't Good Enough' is possible in my all time top 20 songs. The lyrics catch you almost instantly with the first line being, "I know the start and the ending well". Backed up by a fairly standard chord progression and some nice paino playing, the song doesn't lack fullness at all. The moving lyrics are only re-enforced by the dark, lonely music being played behind it.
What could follow up such a song? The title track of course! This song is just a smigeon away from being equal with 'close enough ain't good enough'. The driving, plucky guitar riff catches your attention instantly, and then you notice these weird sounds being made by a ppiano and then all of a sudden you notice someone pooring out their heart and soul to you through lyrics. The lyrics in this song are so personal and reflective, it doesnt matter how repetetive the guitar riff is, you never loose your concentration.
Overall this album is a must for anyone looking for a great altern. band with some great catchy tunes accompanied by some of the best lyrics you'll ever hear, that has not sold out. Please go out and buy it, it will be worth the worry,
