Panic Shack deliver a visceral headline set to a sold-out Brighton crowd

25 March 2024, 11:00 | Written by The Line of Best Fit

(News)

(Panic Shack) (Plantoid)

“How’d you say tits in Spanish?” asked bassist Emily Smith as the South Wales indie-punk quartet opened their set with the iconic “Tit School.” Playing under glowing branding for the Spanish beer brand, the group embraced the opportunity with their usual cutting humour.

Taking over the legendary Brighton venue The Prince Albert this past Saturday,the micro-festival brought the family-run SON Estrella Galicia’s passion for music, food and beer culture to the seaside city. As well as a beach-clean and a workshop/beer-tasting, the evening delivered delicious street-food and vibrant DJ sets.

Opening the sold-out show, Brighton locals Plantoid blasted through songs from their recently released debut album Terrapath in a comfortable display of progressive musicianship. Joined on stage by producer Nathan Ridley, at times his enthusiasm for percussion over-shadowed the performance of lead singer Chloe Spence.

Balancing their uncompromising cuts of contemporary punk with a uniquely Cardiff sense of humour, Panic Shack stole the stage with audacity and aplomb. “You ready Brighton? I don’t know if you are…” dared lead singer Sarah Harvey.

SON Estrella Galicia The Prince Albert 23 March Credit Alex Amoros Sugar Kane Productions 13

Joined by drummer Nick Doherty-Williams, he sported a The Rescue Hotel t-shirt, the Cardiff dog charity co-founded by some of the city’s musical family. Racing through their brief but brilliant catalogue, recent singles “Jui Jits You” and “Mannequin Man” sounded as instant and vital as the band’s presence.

Introducing fan-favourite, the unreleased “Washing Line,” the band paused for a full explanation. “You’ve got to turn shame into fame,” laughed Harvey. Closing with cult hit “The Ick,” Harvey commanded a circle pit as the packed floor of The Prince Albert erupted into a joyful tangle.