"Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is still the truth"-Ghandi.
Many bands claim to have a manifesto, a glib collection of insincere declarations and half hearted gestures professing that they want to change the world, without ever actually doing anything. Johnny Panic are one band to break the mould for they mean what they say, revelling in a challenge and refusing to go down without a fight. The London based band return after a line-up change, a label reshuffle, and censorship from the masses, but now they're ready to take on the world with a new album and single. The question is, are you ready?
Blending killer hooks and infectious melodies with a political and social awareness, the band refuse to shy away from difficult subjects. Frontman Rob Solly thinks the ethos of the band is vital, now more than ever; "There's an ethic missing from a lot of bands" he explains. "We live in a society that refuses to question. That's where rock 'n' roll comes in. We're not here to shove them down people's throats, but every single one of our songs is trying to get something across."
It's this desire for change that inspired the likes of 'Burn Your Youth', focusing on mental health issues and suicidal tendencies in young men, while 'Automatic Healer' tackles prostitution and the marginalisation of the women and men involved. Elsewhere, 'Chemical Girlfriend' confronts our attitude to drugs in today's society, and Ghandi inspired 'Minority Of One' could be described as their calling card, a statement of intent. It's this attention to detail that marks Johnny Panic out from the crowd.
A whirlwind four years after the band formed (involving a fateful meeting on a bus and car prang after an audition, no less) the South-London lads have graced stages from Donington's Download to Tokyo's Summersonic, and more recently Switzerland for Quiksilver's Wheels & Waves festival. In between jet-setting across the world JP found the time to release 2005's 'The Violent Dazzling' to critical acclaim, and released several singles. Not ones to avoid controversy, the video for last single 'Automatic Healer' was banned from most channels, after the band decided to use a real-life 'working girl' instead of an actress polished to within an inch of her life in the video. It's this reaction that fires the band on, adding fuel to the fire to strive to be heard.
A line-up change in 2006 saw original bassist Nash Francis step down to continue with other projects, including still managing the bands artwork. Say hello then, to Sean Mannion. "I was on my way to getting a 9-5 job when Johnny Panic came up. I went to the audition only to hold up proceedings with a cigarette break before I'd even played a note! As promised when we first spoke on the phone, Rob made me a cup of tea." Several PG Tips later, Sean joined the band and the rest is history.
After a baptism of fire for the new boy with a well-received gig in London, the band holed up in the studio for their as-yet-untitled follow up album, and a single has been chalked in for August 28th, with 'Happy Together' available for download and on limited addition 7" vinyl ahead of the album release. You can hear new material on http://www.myspace.com/johnnypanic and for up-to-date information see the all new official website at http://www.johnnypanic.com
Prepare yourselves now, for if Johnny Panic get their way, we've got a revolution on our hands.
Johnny Panic are: Rob Solly - Vocals & Guitar, Johnny Shock - drums,
Sean Mannion - Bass & Backing vocals, Matt James - Guitar & Backing vocals. |
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