The Panda Band - Charisma Weapon (18/07/2011)
Perth act The Panda Band has seemingly been rather quiet of late but that’s not to say that they haven’t been productive since their debut release of ‘This Vital Chapter’ in 2006. After garnishing much critical acclaim from audiences locally the band then took on the USA and successfully infiltrated the CMJ radio charts as well as broke into the European market with airplay on XFM. After extensively touring the US market and even some European dates they returned home to Australian soil to work on their next record. Despite the delays due to label issues and departing band members the band have soldiered on and in July of 2011 have finally brought their sophomore record to completion.
On opening track ‘We’re Almost Not Even Here’ the band immediately showcase their new fondness for dabbling in various tech-enhancements like synth laced vocals and instruments. As we move into the second track ‘51 Swimsuits’ though we’re reminded that The Panda Band were the masters of layered vocal harmonies before indie folk darlings like Fleet Foxes took it to new heights. Lead single ‘The Fix’ even has some Arcade Fire-like tendencies, immediately sucking you in with the choir and shadowy organs and its urgent pace that somehow manages to slow right down to a whispered crawl as the song closes.
'Alligators’ I’m sure has to have been inspired by the weird and wondrous inhabitants of the USA with such quaint but dark lyrics “...alligators stroll the boulevard, alligators in the candy bars, sweet little virgins who’d do anything...” set against a whimsical musical backdrop. Whilst there is many moments of what feels like malleable and soft sounds we come across a track like ‘Jasmasian’ that showcases Chris Callan’s more aggressive guitar work in parts.
To close the record ‘Cliff Dweller’ is lyrically so powerful with Damian Crosbie’s voice imploring to the listener “...is there ever going to be a day I don’t want to lose myself to the rocks?...” which I’m sure is a feeling many people could relate to, at least once in their lives. It is, however, important to try and not get too swept up in the immensity of the music and sounds that have been put forward by notable Brisbane producer Magoo. This is an extremely clever band with even cleverer lyrics that require an open-mindedness and ability to empathise. There are some striking and philosophical lyrics on offer here, so be sure to take the time to read the CD liner.
With ‘Charisma Weapon’ The Panda Band have taken full control of their musical destiny by releasing this record via their own label Bam*Boo, and now have the ability to direct the final product. The integral parts of what made The Panda Band so intriguing to begin with when they wowed us with ‘This Vital Chapter’ are all here in spades. Damian Crosbie’s luscious wispy modulations in his vocals, the band’s quirky but profoundly moving lyrics and their ability to cram a ridiculous number of instruments and sounds into a singular song without completely crushing the mix to smithereens defies all logic. I distinctly remember that the first time I heard this band I was floored by how truly eclectic and unique they are. ‘Charisma Weapon’ is proof that this band can still live up to that tag.
Carina Nilma
On opening track ‘We’re Almost Not Even Here’ the band immediately showcase their new fondness for dabbling in various tech-enhancements like synth laced vocals and instruments. As we move into the second track ‘51 Swimsuits’ though we’re reminded that The Panda Band were the masters of layered vocal harmonies before indie folk darlings like Fleet Foxes took it to new heights. Lead single ‘The Fix’ even has some Arcade Fire-like tendencies, immediately sucking you in with the choir and shadowy organs and its urgent pace that somehow manages to slow right down to a whispered crawl as the song closes.
'Alligators’ I’m sure has to have been inspired by the weird and wondrous inhabitants of the USA with such quaint but dark lyrics “...alligators stroll the boulevard, alligators in the candy bars, sweet little virgins who’d do anything...” set against a whimsical musical backdrop. Whilst there is many moments of what feels like malleable and soft sounds we come across a track like ‘Jasmasian’ that showcases Chris Callan’s more aggressive guitar work in parts.
To close the record ‘Cliff Dweller’ is lyrically so powerful with Damian Crosbie’s voice imploring to the listener “...is there ever going to be a day I don’t want to lose myself to the rocks?...” which I’m sure is a feeling many people could relate to, at least once in their lives. It is, however, important to try and not get too swept up in the immensity of the music and sounds that have been put forward by notable Brisbane producer Magoo. This is an extremely clever band with even cleverer lyrics that require an open-mindedness and ability to empathise. There are some striking and philosophical lyrics on offer here, so be sure to take the time to read the CD liner.
With ‘Charisma Weapon’ The Panda Band have taken full control of their musical destiny by releasing this record via their own label Bam*Boo, and now have the ability to direct the final product. The integral parts of what made The Panda Band so intriguing to begin with when they wowed us with ‘This Vital Chapter’ are all here in spades. Damian Crosbie’s luscious wispy modulations in his vocals, the band’s quirky but profoundly moving lyrics and their ability to cram a ridiculous number of instruments and sounds into a singular song without completely crushing the mix to smithereens defies all logic. I distinctly remember that the first time I heard this band I was floored by how truly eclectic and unique they are. ‘Charisma Weapon’ is proof that this band can still live up to that tag.
Carina Nilma