Led by charismatic frontman Terry “Tappa” Teece, Gold Coast four-piece The Panasonics have well and truly arrived with debut EP ‘The Sonic Triangle of Cochlear Destruction’ living up to its title.
Opening track ‘High Life’ lures the unsuspecting listener in with ambient guitar before a minute later expanding its offering to one of a steady, rhythmic rock riff that beckons you to “come with me”. It sets the scene for the rest of the EP which dishes up a mix of surf rock and punk sounds, reminiscent of the bands that relentlessly toured the Gold Coast in the 80s and 90s.
Second track ‘Swamp People’ once again encourages the listener to “come with me” only this time it’s down and dirty, swamp rock at its best. Tappa’s vocals as swampy as the blazing guitar which shines in the song.
‘Intermission’ has swagger. A little soulful without losing its loose punk vibes, encouraging punters to “go to the bar, empty your pockets and tell the bartender ‘I want to get fucked up’.”
Closing track ‘2000 to 1’ is an absolute belter. At just 1 minute and 20 seconds and purely instrumental, it’s hard and fast, harking back to classic Australian surf punk with flawless guitar work making it a head-nodding fiesta.
‘The Sonic Triangle of Cochlear Destruction’, produced by Scotty French at Lovestreet Studios, is a brilliant debut for The Panasonics. It sees the outfit experimenting with their own sound, while honing their chops. And while only four tracks long, it genuinely offers something for every surf rock lover.
When the EP closes, my music streaming service starts playing music that it says is similar to The Panasonics and if that playlist is anything to go by (Meanies, Cosmic Psychos, Blussh, Goons of Doom, Hard-Ons), these four men will have no trouble finding fans both in their home city of the Gold Coast and further afield. The fact they’ve already had international airplay is testament to that.
With just half a dozen live gigs under their belt, the band is now focussed on honing their live show and previewing new material they’ll be recording in the new year.
Listen now on Spotify.