Surinam Tape Release Moved To Soybomb!

If you didn't know, the next PANIC show is next Friday, June the 29th (with PAST CRIMES and SURINAM). It was originally supposed to be at Johnny Jackson's, but they have closed. So. The lucky new venue is Soybomb, and the occasion marks the release of SURINAM's first album cassette. Be there or die a thousand deaths.

Bonus! TOWN SHIP has been added to the bill.

Live Photos / Review.

PANIC photos by Nic Pouliot for Now Magazine.

More PANIC Shows!

 

PANIC continues to do shows, having recently played in Oshawa at Wasted Space (along with PAST CRIMES and HOLY MOUNT) and at 3030 in Toronto (with MILK LINES). Next up, on April 17, we play with BIBLICAL and OVERNIGHT at the Horseshoe Tavern, and then on May 29, we reunite with PAST CRIMES and SURINAM at Johnny Jackson.

Two Animalistic (Sets)!

Our first PANIC show of the year - and our first show with drummer Sean Dignan (SUCKERPUNCH, DODGE FIASCO) - went down in the middle of a blizzard on Sunday night. We played the Dakota Tavern with Ian Blurton's PUBLIC ANIMAL, the inaugural night of a month-long residency for them there.

PUBLIC ANIMAL began the evening with a set premiering new songs, and lordy, lordy, it was loud and awesome. The band was ferocious and I encourage anyone reading this to check them out forthwith. After that, PANIC played our debut LP "Bad Fantasies" track-for-track for what may be the last time (we have new songs now). That went down swimmingly with those who had ventured out in the weather, and we had a great time. PUBLIC ANIMAL were then back to play a rocking set of older songs, covers and the like, culminating in a huge freak-out ending that left everybody reeling.

Again, see PUBLIC ANIMAL at the Dakota every Sunday this month. PANIC has a couple of shows in March, starting with an appearance at the Long Winter Festival (at the Great Hall). Hope to see you there!

Upcoming PANIC Shows!

A couple of upcoming shows to announce --

February 1 - with PUBLIC ANIMAL (Ian Blurton's latest band) at The Dakota Tavern.

March 13 - as part of the LONG WINTER Festival at The Great Hall.

Possibly more live dates soon.

Playing with Simply Saucer!

Taste of Little Italy Festival Show!

 

Last Saturday night, we played a set on a sidewalk in Little Italy, in front of the wonderful June Records. It was about an hour after Italy beat England 2-1 in the World Cup, and College Street was filled with people walking about and celebrating. Even our music couldn't dampen the atmosphere. There were grandparents and children smiling along to "Creepy Dom". Quite surreal. Special thanks to Ian from June for sound.

 

Top pic by Karim Romero / Bottom pic by Derek Westerholm

"Bad Fantasies" Release Show!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Smiling Buddha last Friday and helped PANIC celebrate the release of our "Bad Fantasies" album. It was a great turnout and a good time appeared to be had by all. Thanks to DJ Chico for providing great tunes and Wyrd Visions for a mesmerizing set.

 

Pics by J. Martin / Video by Winona

 

PANIC Release Show Poster!

Courtesy of the great Michael Comeau -- who has been discussed here before -- a brand spanking new show poster for PANIC's record release on June 6th at The Smiling Buddha, with Wyrd Visions
and DJ Chico!

PANIC LP Release!

PANIC are playing our first ever show next month (Friday, June 6th) at The Smiling Buddha (961 College St., Toronto). It's our record release for the "Bad Fantasies" LP.

Opening will be the enchanting WYRD VISIONS, with DJ CHICO spinning throughout the evening. Come out and celebrate this dark album's release with us.

If you haven't heard "Bad Fantasies" yet, give it a listen.

Get the PANIC

First, a couple of sweet reviews from Soaktest 13 and Fuzz Drench...

The PANIC spreads. Our debut record "Bad Fantasies" now available digitally at iTunes, Amazon, Spotify*, as well as in physical 180 gram LP form at Toronto-area record stores such as Soundscapes, Rotate This, and June Records. The LP can also be ordered through our Facebook page.

And... "Bad Fantasies" can be heard at the CBC, Soundcloud, and our Bandcamp page.

*not working this morning for whatever reason. 

Introducing PANIC

 

The new band I've been alluding to here the last while has a name and a record, and I'm ready to spill the beans.

PANIC is made up of Christopher Sandes (keyboards), Johnny LaRue (drums), Greg "Sweets" Sweetland (bass), Zak Hanna (guitar), yours truly on vocals and occasional theremin -- plus Jeremy Strachan on the baritone saxophone. Our album is called "Bad Fantasies" and was recorded at 6 Nassau by none other than the legendary Pete Hudson. It's undoubtedly the best sounding record I've ever been a part of.

"Bad Fantasies" is available digitally now on Bandcamp, to either purchase or peruse. A limited edition of 180 gram vinyl LPs (with download cards) will be delivered soon, and will be available at shows. No expense was spared for these slabs o' wax as I'm sure you'll agree when you hold one in your hands.

PANIC Bandcamp

Mixing the new record

Pressing ahead, we were recently back to 6 Nassau to add a few overdubs and mix most of the record in one long day, once again under the aegis of Mr. Pete Hudson. The man is truly a marvel to behold, pulling off quick fixes and inspired mixes with apparent ease. It's a pleasure watching him work.

We return early in October to finish mixing, and then this beast is off to mastering.

New record! Superlatives!

I didn't want to say anything until the deal was done, but I'm happy to report that: a) I'm in a great new band; and b) we just recorded an awesome album of all new songs with none other than local legend Pete Hudson, at the fabulous 6 Nassau in Toronto.

More news to come!