THE FRONT ROW

This was definitely an early contender for ‘Gig of the Year 2023’ as Welsh pop-punks Panic Shack combined with electronic rap-grunge duo Shelf Lives to systematically take apart a packed Jimmy’s basement.

Respect to the organisers who limited the support to a singular act allowing Toronto/Northampton duo Sabrina and Jonny aka Shelf Lives free range to express themselves with a decent eleven song set. And energetically express themselves they did too. It’s hard to distil the essence of Shelf Lives sound, but watching them there were traces of Carter USM, L7, Rage Against the Machine, Bikini Kill and Sleaford Mods. Sabrina supplies the vocals, which range from hushed/conspiratorial to wailing anguished. Jonny provides beats, rhythms, loops and screaming guitars.

The majority of Shelf Lives electrifying set consisted of material off their excellent debut EP/Mini LP Yes, Offence. They opened up with the powerful, pounding She Gon’ Kill Ya and I Don’t Like Me You a tune who’s chorus slaps you in the face with the force of The Prodigy‘s Firestarter. The barrage continued with Shelf Life and latest single Skirts and Salads.

The onslaught was relentless. At one point vocalist Sabrina joked ‘OK we’re gonna slow things down a bit, here’s a ballad’ then adding ‘Only joking’ before launching another sonic assault, contorted face disappearing amongst a wave of head-banging hair. There was time for a vibrant cover of Violet before Shelf Lives concluded a stunning set with Fight That Bitch. Follow that Panic Shack.

And follow it they did. Panic Shack put on a show. They don’t fuck about. They’ve got a lot to say and a short time to say it in. Storming on to stage without any fuss Panic Shack launch into Baby a song that immediately establishes the bands punk rock credentials. It’s repetitive, short on chords and lyrics but brim-full of feeling, energy, pace and power. They followed this up with the lightly choregraphed kitsch dance moves of Mannequin Man and debut single Jiu Jits You, tunes that walk a tightrope between Punk and Glam Rock.

But Panic Shack also have a genuine depth to their music. Singer Sarah Harvey may be being flippant as she climbs into the audience and asks them what’s their preferred Meal Deal? (answers vary from a KFC to an M&S Halloumi and Humus combo!) but the song itself is a passionate diatribe about people being forced to choose between heating or eating. Equally forceful was the bands performance of I Don’t Really Like It. The song tackles the all too pervasive subject of misogyny. The haunting three part harmonies, Emily Smith’s slowly accelerating bassline, and the songs loudening drum beat build to dramatic effect like a victim’s heartbeat.

Latest single The Ick and it’s new counterpoint piece Jelly Baby took centre stage in the middle of the set. An utterly compelling and thoroughly entertaining evening was brought to a close with the everyday drama tale of missing smoking paraphernalia Who’s Got My lighter? and a rousing rendition of the Electric Six classic Gay Bar. It doesn’t matter where Panic Shack want to take me to, on current evidence I’ll follow them anywhere. You should too.

Ian Dunphy