Panic Shack Opens the Door to Thier Debut Album

Cardiff’s Panic Shack are gearing up to shake things up—and not just their pun-adorned track titles—with tomorrow’s release of their debut full-length. The album lands on the heels of their explosive new single “Pockets,” a dancing punk banger that domes the trivial (no pockets in women’s clothes!) and turns it into an anthem of feminist empowerment and satirical fire. The video for “Pockets” drops today, ushering in a new era of politically-charged, pocket-filled demand—and fashion brands, take note.

“If you’ve ever worn women’s clothing, you’ll know the plight of… NOT HAVING ANY POCKETS,” share vocalist Sarah Harvey and guitarist-vox Meg Fretwell, encapsulating the sly humour and biting commentary that makes Panic Shack feel so deceptively simple and riotously smart. “We thought it was our duty to spread the word…we are fed up of always having to carry a bag!!!”

With wry muse and skate-punk energy, “Pockets” captures the spirit of Panic Shack’s album—an injury report of modern femininity laced with self-aware humour and electrifying dance-punk grooves. Think conversational lyrics akin to overheard BFF convos at 2 a.m., but cranked to stereo-volume in a sweaty basement or raved-out club.

It’s a move that’s proven irresistible so far, following earlier singles like “Thelma & Louise”, “Girl Band Starter Pack”, and “Gok Wan,” which racked up praise from Rolling Stone UK, NME, Kerrang!, DIY, The Line of Best Fit, and more. The band also secured playlist love from BBC Radio 1, Radio X, Apple Music 1, and BBC 6 Music, where “Gok Wan” earned the coveted 6 Music Roundtable nod.

Joined by producer Ali Chant (PJ Harvey, Yard Act, Perfume Genius), Panic Shack—Sarah Harvey (lead vocals), Meg Fretwell (guitar/vox), Romi Lawrence (guitar/vox), Em Smith (bass), and Nick Doherty-Williams (drums)—have expanded their raw punk instincts into lush arrangements featuring synths, harmonies, and even a trumpet cameo. The result? A riotous yet refined punk-pop romp tackling everything from Hinge dating (“Unhinged”) and body image (“Gok Wan”), to sexual harassment (“SMELLARAT”), all framed by the fierce bond of female friendship.

The closing track, “Thelma & Louise,” flips the script on rebellious womanhood by serving as a ride-or-die love song: twin voices swooning over loyalty and midnight drives. Ultimately, the Panic Shack debut unravels like a one-night coming-of-age film: entry at dusk—exit in a sunrise speech about friendship, fuzzed guitars, and emotional liberation.

With a resume including live history alongside Yard Act, Soft Play, Bob Vylan, and festival sets at Reading & Leeds, Glastonbury, SXSW, and more, Panic Shack are seasoned scene veterans. MOJO even tagged them “an early candidate for band of the festival” at Glastonbury—in other words, they’ve paid their dues and earned the spotlight.

To celebrate the album’s release, Panic Shack kick off an in-store tour with a release-day show at Cardiff’s Sustainable Studios, accompanied by a daytime pop-up Panic Shack shop. They’ll continue through the week with stops at Rough Trade East in London and Resident in Brighton.

Panic Shack are ready to rally. Pockets isn’t just a single—it’s a statement. Their music is a dancefloor politics manifesto for anyone who ever felt powerless in clothes without practical storage. So carry your vape, phone, keys, lip gloss… and own your trench—because Panic Shack are here to punch systems in their empty pockets.