The Panics and Lisa Mitchell @ Billboard Nightclub, Melbourne (21/11/08)
Perth imports, The Panics supported by former Idol contestant Lisa Mitchell, took to the Billboard Nightclub's stage last Friday for all those who missed out on Bloc Party.
When Madchester legends the Happy Mondays wrapped up their world tour in Perth early in 2001, drummer Gaz Whelan and friend Pete Carroll, with whom he’d set up label LittleBIGMAN were kicking back at the pub when they noticed The Panics. Stories of what happened next are a little sketchy, but Whelan and Carroll were impressed and offered to take them on.
A year later, Jae Laffer (vocals), Paul Otway (bass), Julian Douglas (guitar, keys), guitarist Drew Wootton and younger brother Myles Wootton (drums) had their first EP, a self-titled effort featuring the track Give Me Some Good Luck. The songs revolved around Laffer’s smooth vocals, Wootton’s intricate guitar hooks and some well-thought harmonies and started to turn heads both at home and in Manchester. They returned later that year with a second self-titled EP that featured the tracks This Day Last Year and How’s it Feel?, both of which would appear on their debut album the following year.
With two successful EPs under their collective belt, Laffer, Douglas, Otway and the Wootton brothers were invited to Manchester’s In the City, the showcase festival organised by Happy Mondays manager and 24 Hour Party Person Tony Wilson. While in England, the band went into the studio to work on material for their debut album. They returned early in 2003 with Kid You’re a Dreamer, the lead-off single for the album and a taste of what was to come. In August 2003, The Panics released debut album A House On a Street in a Town I’m From, which drew critical acclaim in Australia and the mother country for its fresh take on the band’s influences – namely Manchester bands The Smiths and The Stone Roses.
Impressive follow-up album Sleeps Like a Curse came midway through 2005 and, while there was no major change to the band’s trademark sound, the album was a more well-rounded and mature effort than their debut.
More recently, the band signed with Dew Process in the lead-up to album number three, title Cruel Guards. The album features Triple J hit Don’t Fight it and showcases a broader scope when compared to earlier releases, demonstrating a more mature and polished sound.
Event Reviews
Trackside 2008 @ Thoroughbred Park, Canberra (22/11/08)
Trackside 2008: it rained, it hailed, it blew a blizzard but above all it rocked, and FasterLouder was there to see it all.
The Panics @ The Metro Theatre, Sydney (14/11/08)
While The Panics did not leave a punter unhappy, there is still a long way to go before their live act reaches the same heights as their recorded material.
The Panics, Lisa Mitchell, The Rocketsmiths @ Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane (07/11/2008)
The Panics have one of the best live shows in Australian music, and tonight's set has added to that reputation.
Whitley, Jay Laffer, Sime Nugent @ Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18/09/08)
Two of Australia's finest on stage to tune instruments.
Event Galleries
Pyramid Rock Festival
All the action of the two day Pyramid Rock Festival
The Panics
The Panics treat Adelaide with their 'Get Us Home' tour, with special guests Lisa Mitchell & Bakewell Street.
The Panics
The Panics mesmerise Metropolis Fremantle on their homecoming date of the 'Get Us Home' tour.
The Panics
The Greasers and Lisa Mitchell were local support acts for The Panics on the Melbourne Leg of their Get Us Home tour.
The Panics
After an awesome year, The Panics give one last hurrah to Sydney fans before the band heads overseas.
The Panics
Sensational gig by Lisa Mitchell and The Panics
The Panics
The Panics @ Club Capitol
The Panics
Indie rock sensation The Panics throughly satisfied a sold out crowd at The Gov
The Panics
The Panics sell out the ANU for the "Dont fight it" tour
The Panics
The Panics played an incredible set to a sold-out crowd at the Metro Theatre.
The Panics
Currently working their way around the country, the Panics bring their distinctive sound to a packed-out Tivoli Theatre in Brisbane.
St Jeromes Laneway Festival
On a sunny Sydney day, a full house of eager punters were at St Jeromes Laneway festival.
St Jeromes Laneway Festival
An awesome lineup descended on Fowlers Live and UniSA for the the inaugural Adelaide St Jeromes Laneway Festival.
Falls Festival
Photographs documenting the amazing experience at Falls Festival!
The Panics, Andrew Morris, The John Steele Singers @ The Zoo, 2/5/2007
The Panics show why they're one of the hottest bands in the country.
The Panics
The Panics hit the road in support of new album Cruel Guards.
The Panics
Ahead of their highly anticipated album ‘Cruel Guards’, The Panics announce a national tour throughout October and November.
Pauhaus Festival
With the sawdust swept away, and the finishing touches being put on the Brisbane Powerhouse for its re-launch across the Queen’s Birthday weekend, Pauhaus is pleased to announce the final line-up for Saturday 9 June. Pauhaus is also chuffed to host t
Pauhaus Festival
With the sawdust swept away, and the finishing touches being put on the Brisbane Powerhouse for its re-launch across the Queen’s Birthday weekend, Pauhaus is pleased to announce the final line-up for Saturday 9 June. Pauhaus is also chuffed to host t
Features
The Panics
Following a triumphant Splendour In The Grass slot earlier this month, The Panics singer Jae Laffer tells FasterLouder what’s next for the band.
On the road with the Panics
While it's early days on the Panics national tour, frontman Jae Laffer checks in with FasterLouder to share some of the recent thrills and spills.
The Panics
The Panics have not only made the album of their careers in 2007, but they’ve had it recognised by the tastemakers – the five-piece’s third album, Cruel Guards, has won the coveted J Award.
Don't fight the Panics!
On the eve of the release of the Panics' new album, FasterLouder spoke to lead singer Jay Laffer about the band's new sound, playing live, and recording in New York.
Get yourself into a Panic
The Panics frontman Jae Laffer tells FasterLouder about the writing and recording of their third studio album, and the band’s impending performance at Brisbane’s Pauhaus festival.
News
The Grates headline Dew Process Xmas
Rounding off a stellar 2008, Brisbane label-to-beat Dew Process is putting on a massive Christmas bash at the Annandale Hotel in Sydney.
The Panics join Pyramid Rock
With The Vines cancelling all scheduled tour commitments, their spot at Pyramid Rock Festival is set to be filled by none other than The Panics.
Trackside Set Times Announced!
If you haven't picked up your very own handy little Trackside guide book from Landspeed, Parliament, Essen or many of the other locations in Civic then here's the list you've been waiting for!
Giddy Up to Trackside
Riddle me this: What music event has a killer line-up, runs for 12 hours, is an all ages annual event, comes after Stonefest and covers all genres of activities? Trackside!
The Panics do the home circuit
After rallying one of Splendour's keenest crowds, The Panics continue the momentum in November with a national tour. Perhaps their last for a while...
Releases
Various - Triple J Hottest 100 DVD Volume 15
When you watch the Triple J Hottest 100 DVD Volume 15, it is immediately apparent where the inspiration for the new J Award category of Best Australian Video derived.
Various- Triple J Hottest 100 Vol. 15
Triple J Hottest 100 Vol. 15 contains almost half - 43 to be exact - of that poll's honour roll. As a result, it's a truly eclectic hodgepodge of musical highlights from 2007.
Videos
[Video] The Panics
The Panics play up at the Tiki Bar and tell us what's the go for the new album.
