Whatever post-hardcore means these days, Cardiffs Panel seem to do it pretty well. With a dark, gritty and atmospheric aura surrounding many of this mini albums tracks, there is no lack of doubting the bands abilities to create a driving melancholic sound of despair and anger. Excelling in the art of creating startling introductions and impressive musical variations, bending any genres the band maybe pigeon holed in is a task the band take to with ease. For nearly half an hour there is a deep sense of respect which is garnered for a band not cutting any corners and delivering a musical ideal they truly believe in.
The drumming of Mark Hicks drives opener ‘Blind Summit’ to the brink of implosion as a series of pummelling riffs orchestrate a tight opener before an absolutely blinding intro into ‘Like a Lamb’ opens “Command Box Street” wide open. Featuring a cavalcade of anger bursting through the speakers with genuine emotion attached, it is one of the clear standouts of what proves to be an interesting piece of music. ‘Common Interest’ features a much darker and heavier muted sound which results in a more downcast feel in a slightly disappointing number, but once again another perfectly timed and crafted introduction into ‘Waiting for an Excuse’ is the perfect antidote to any feelings that the album may be veering wayward. Reaching the halfway mark, the feeling that the band excel in basic heavy rock is one which is difficult to avoid, but thankfully the energetic and passionate ‘Smile’ is an aptly named shot in the arm and is a real barn stormer to raise sprits. Unfortunately the climax of the album loses its way a little and by the time the closing chords of ‘Remain Different’ are plucked, interest has waned slightly, but the strong opening is enough to cure any long lasting doubts of the disc.
The “Command Box Street Scenario” is a tidy seven tracks, if altogether slightly uninspiring at times. It is a great advert for the band, but at times they could of maybe been a bit harsher and scrapped a couple of tracks and converted the mini album into a much higher quality five track EP. But these are minor quibbles for what is altogether an interesting and well constructed piece of cross Atlantic hardcore which hopefully will not go unnoticed on these shores.
Jay
Cascade Records
www.panel-online.co.uk