Review - Panther Entropy

NOTE: We normally don't use the blog to do CD reviews. Once in a while however a release's timeliness to a current situation or potential rarity requires us to make an exception. This is once such release.


PANTHER - Entropy LP



Panther is one of those bands that has snuck up under the radar and surprised a lot of people with their previous album 14kt God. On their latest, Charlie and Joe takes their avant rock in a different direction. Here, pianos play a more prominent role as they filter in a mid 70s pop cum art rock feel into these songs, taking the listener on a journey that can be as emotional as it is unexpected. The overall creation is music that is fairly unique though not as obtuse as some of their previous work could be at moments.

However, the ability to surprise is here as noted by "Birds that Move" where an incendiary guitar solo moves the song from a catchy as hell indie meets classic pop rock hybrid into an increasingly intense aural beast. These atmospherics add a texture of the music that move it apart from much of what is heard these days when it comes to punk/indie rock. This 12" continues to walk the thin line between potential pop classics and driving, unexpected twists and turns as personified by "Bridge on Fire" where, as the song progresses, the rampaging drums in the chorus add an intensity lesser bands wouldn't think to put in a song like this. Closing things out with a pair of dance remixes by Copy ("Birds That Move") along with Lips & Ribs ("Love is Sold") that take the tracks in different directions and you have a record that still has taken me by surprise.

As I said, it's extremely rare that we put a record review on the blog. However, given that this is a limited edition release (to the best of our knowledge only 500 copies are available - and only on vinyl) and it seemed more responsible to place it here rather than wait for the print issue to review it (and then repost it on the TTWN website once we get the issue released). While this will be rare, Panther has released a damn good record that flips the script on what fans may expect from them while taking underground rock a few steps forward sonically. A definite future classic album, in my honest opinion. Get it while (and if) you can.

Availble at either Kill Rock Stars. Or from here (if really anxious)

Review

NOTE; I normally don't use the blog to do CD reviews. However, given the timeliness of this release, I felt it would be good to make an exception.



TED LEO & THE PHARMACISTS - Rapid Response download EP

Many people in this country were shocked an appalled by the police response to protestors during the Republican convention in St. Paul back in August, especially the arrest and attacks by police on journalists. Upon learning of what was going down, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists decided to respond - producing this EP in the process. The first two songs are original tracks written for this release kicking off with the rousing rocker "Paranoia's Never Enough" detailing the police repression in St. Paul. "Mourning in America," the other original song, addresses the ugly specter of racism as an election issue. Rounding this off is a cover of Cocksparrer's "I Got your Number" and a version of Amebix' "Nobody's Driving" performed solo with Ted's own take on the HC/proto grind anthem.

Recorded and released quickly, the sound quality is a little rough. However, it is fitting given the circumstances around us that this download isn't the most slickly produced (it's more punk if it isn't). Only available from T&G, thew proceeds benefit tow organizations worthy of support: Food Not Bombs and Democracy Now.

Get it at touchandgo