Welsh punk firebrands Panic Shack came through with a ferocious set that confirmed their reputation as one of the most exciting live acts on the UK circuit right now. The band’s self-titled debut album is set for release on 18 July 1via Brace Yourself Records, and they have scheduled an extensive UK and EU tour to support.
From the moment they hit the stage, the quartet radiated pure chaos and charisma. A set full of blistering riffs and sharp social commentary, Panic Shack were not taking any prisoners. Tracks like ‘Jiu Jits You’ and ‘I Don’t Really Like It’ landed with infectious impact, their tongue-in-cheek lyrics amplified by deadpan delivery and an audience more than ready to shout every word back. There was a genuine sense of connection in the room – the feedback between audience and band felt raw and electric, the joyful defiance at the heart of Panic Shack’s sound was clear.
My standout moment of the night was ‘Gok Wan‘ – an unapologetic middle finger to the toxic diet culture of the early 2000s. Hearing it live felt genuinely cathartic, especially in a room full of people who, like me, seemed ready to collectively exorcise the ghosts of that era. The track channels a raw, righteous fury at the superficial beauty standards and body-shaming dogma peddled by figures like Trinny and Susannah, turning that anger into something defiant. There was something profoundly healing about screaming along with a crowd that clearly understood the damage done – and the joy of rejecting it together.
Vocalist Sarah Harvey led the charge with fierce presence, balancing comedy with command. The band clearly thrive on disrupting expectations – whether through their call-outs of lad culture or switching up traditional punk posturing with synchronised dance routines. They’re hilarious without being gimmicky, political without being preachy – a balance of themes that Panic Shack handles with confidence and ease.
Panic Shack are truly pioneering the new wave of punk – inclusive, funny, and full of fight. They manage not to shy away from the controversial in a way that may be seen as genuinely funny, but their musicianship and message are no joke. I’m certain they won’t be playing venues this size for long.
The Pill opened for Panic Shack in London with a snarling, smart set packed with fuzzy riffs, biting humour and fearless feminist punk energy. From mullets to movie stars, grooming to girlhood, they delivered bold themes with sharp charm and a wall of glorious noise.