by Kris Handel (@khandel84)
Rearview, the new EP from NYC quartet PANIK FLOWER, gives the listener more of the dynamic and gauzy soundscapes the band ply their trade in. On Rearview, the band went for a more hi-fi recording style, adding a sharpness that highlights their version of dream-pop, alongside a touch of edgier, gothic 80’s-esque post punk. Sage Leopold’s vocals have a steely strength to them that heightens the drama during moments of intense and spooky ‘gaze, but also soars alongside the more wistful and groove locked sections. The guitars of Mila Stieglitz-Courtney and Jordan Buzzell create cacophonous layers of distortion. It is noticeably impressive that while being largely aggressive and strafing, they also find an easy home with the fluid rhythm section of Max Baird and Marco Starger. The band flexibly reacts and bobs around shifting atmospheres.
“Rearview” has a pronounced post-punk sound, as guitars ring and crunch, colliding with each other under Leopold’s chanting vocals. The song has a Siouxie-esque tone to it, as her distant shouts raise the tension. The raising and dropping tone of the instrumentation grabs the listener’s attention immediately. Baird’s bass throbs and bounces in a dense, musical whirl. “Alkaline” shows off the muscles the band are unafraid to exhibit. Blasts of guitar introduce the song before subsiding to a softer sound that then again gives way to a rush of energized punk blasts. The shifting structure allows the band to show off their impressive range, be it post-hardcore, threatening punk, or a surging melodicism. Biting riffs and a driving tight rhythm section all find a home here, and Leopold’s forceful voice sits atop it all..
This EP, their sophomore effort, shows PANIK FLOWER clearer about what they’re doing than they’ve ever been before. Rearview shows the growth and connection the band has achieved over the past couple of years since their debut; the band is unafraid to shift and change their approach, while still maintaining a compelling strength and drive that is in full bloom here. Leopold’s songwriting touches on complex subjects and relationships, intensely deconstructed and analyzed with a growing sense of self and maturity. The EP throws quite a bit at the listener, but each new texture shows itself to be developed and well thought out. It for a compelling and interesting listen, and I’m thankful for it.