New Music: Panic Shack: Cardiff Punks Deliver Relatable Frustration in "Pockets"

Panic Shack is a vibrant indie rock and punk rock quintet hailing from Cardiff, Wales, formed in 2018. The band consists of Sarah Harvey (lead vocals), Meg Fretwell (guitar, backing vocals), Romi Lawrence (guitar, backing vocals), Emily Smith (bass), and Nick Doherty-Williams (drums). They initially formed as a "middle-finger to the 'members-only club' atmosphere" of predominantly male-dominated indie and punk scenes.

Known for their explosive, intoxicating, and delightfully chaotic live shows, Panic Shack quickly built a word-of-mouth following even before releasing much music. Their sound blends thrashy, early LA-style punk with infectious hooks, vocal harmonies, and a sharp wit. They've received widespread acclaim for their raw energy, relatable lyrics, and comedic flair, with their music often stemming from in-jokes and exploring the "full range of the feminine experience." Panic Shack has played at major festivals like Glastonbury and SXSW, and supported acts such as Bob Vylan. They signed with Brace Yourself Records.

"Pockets" is a new single by Panic Shack, officially released on July 15, 2025. It serves as a final preview of their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, Panic Shack, which was released just yesterday, July 18, 2025.

Lyrically, "Pockets" is a relatable and humorous punk anthem about a very common frustration, particularly for women: the infuriating lack of functional pockets in women's clothing. The band explicitly stated that the song is "about an unspoken bond between women, something men will never quite understand." The lyrics vividly describe the absurdity of "no nooks, no dips, not a cranny or a crevice to be seen" in stylish new jeans, forcing one to stuff essentials like "VAPE, PHONE, KEYS, LIPGLOSS" into bras or clutches. It's a "punk-rock rant about the absurdity of fashion that prioritizes aesthetics over practicality."

Band Page: https://www.instagram.com/panicshack/