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I saw Panic Room play recently in Derby on the back
of the quality of their excellent debut album - Visionary
Position - which I thought was a comfortable 4 star album.
What I didn't expect was that the more established songs
from their debut would be outshone by the newer material.
The new album "Satellite" is slightly less proggy and
gives the talented band plenty of scope to show a whole
range of styles - very much an electic mix. The record has
a harder edge both musically and lyrically. The album doesn't
waste time on filler tracks, but if I had to pick my current
favourites (which keep changing - always a good sign!)then
I'd go for: "Freedom To Breathe" - a great rocking
opening track (excellent guitar work) - an early bullyseye
- infectious chorus. "Picking Up Knives" - sad
song subject wise - perfectly executed - as mentioned previously
their range of material is excellent and effortless embraces
a whole range of styles and moods. "I Am A Cat"
- a humourous song that is actually enjoyable - nice miaows
and purrs and a nice balance to the serious feel generated
by the albums opening 2 songs. "Sunshine" - currently
my second fav - a beautiful, warm piece where singer (Anne-Marie)
goes from whispering to gentle vocals. One of those songs
that just leaves you feeling very chilled out. "Dark
Star" - powerful, apocalyptic feel. Starts off with
some atmospheric keyboard noises that had me thinking that
(Vincent Price) was going to make an appearance.
The whole band sound great on this track - as you would
expect with the quality in their ranks. "Satellite"
- the (8) minute + title track builds up nice and slowly.
I was going to say great vocals on this track - but take
that as read for the whole album. The soaring chorus is
simply great! My current favourite. A word about the sleeve
design - excellent! (Amy Teslin Davies) take a bow - the
artwork fits the music superbly. By ordering from the bands
website I also got the bonus disc - another 4 excellent
songs including a new live favourite of mine - Go.
An excellent effort from the band that, for me, ties
with IQ's "Frequency" and Porcupine Tree's "The incident"
as the best of the year - and I've only had it 7 days! An
album where repeated plays keep throwing up new rewards
and will def have you purring at the end.
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