Artist: Panic Room
Label: Firefly Music Ltd.
Release: 2010
Rating: 4.2/5
Picture a female voice in prog rock. A lot has already been said on the subject, probably too much, but it’s genuinely hard to imagine the instrumental backdrop of King Crimson’s hits with a woman singing in place of Lake or Wetton. It’s also a real challenge to make it in this kind of music with a woman as the band’s frontperson. It’s not so much about stereotypes as about the unfamiliarity (of the ear) that comes with a female voice in prog rock (whereas in prog’s close cousin, progressive metal, that kind of vocal feels right at home). Still, there are plenty of bands that offer listeners a different kind of voice, like Renaissance with Annie Halsam, Popol Vuh with Djong Yun, or National Health with Amanda Parsons. And fans and connoisseurs of the prog scene will definitely add Panic Room to that list, a band that rose from the ashes of Karnataka (which is still going, but with just one original member), fronted by the phenomenal singer Anne-Marie Helder (who, besides singing, also plays keyboards and the occasional guitar, and co-writes the songs).
The special edition of the album gives us a whole 15 tracks spread over two discs, called “Satellite” (eleven songs) and “Little Satellite” (four songs). Every one of them is unique, with its own feel and a different theme. There’s something here for every listener, since the genre range is truly huge, yet it all comes together beautifully into one complete album. From slightly poppy songs (“The Great Divide”) through alternative rock (“Go”) to fully progressive ones (“Satellite”) – “Satellite” and its younger brother “Little Satellite” have it all. Lyrics and vocals play a massive part too, so the subject matter really counts. The Edwards/Helder songwriting duo bares their hearts in love songs (“5th Amendment”), touch on existential questions (“Freedom to Breathe”), and show a big dose of imagination, with fantasy settings dominating (e.g. outer space in “Dark Star”); they’re no strangers to playfulness either, especially on the witty “I am a Cat” (the intro is especially fun, with meowing cats followed by an attempt to imitate the sound on guitars, a kind of musical onomatopoeia).
Great lyrics aren’t all Panic Room have to offer, though. They’re backed up by a truly phenomenal instrumental setup that gives the tracks their shine. Maybe it’s not so much about virtuosity or showing off chops, but about the wholeness of the sound this English quintet produces. The occasionally slightly saccharine melodies are full, there’s not a single empty space in the songs, and everything is so polished it borders on kitsch. As usual, the guitar of Paul Davies stands out, getting a chance to prove itself with a solo every time, but the one in the biggest spotlight is definitely singer Anne-Marie Helder, who never sounds monotonous or repetitive with her harmonious voice and unique way of singing. Of course, make no mistake, the other band members are just as indispensable, since in the stretches without solos and vocals, pleasant instrumental arrangements and ambient drumming deftly fill the space.
After their debut “Visionary Position”, Panic Room have delivered another excellent album that easily outdoes its predecessor – the production is fantastic, the lyrics are original, witty and above all always have something to say, and the instrumental side is strong enough to rank among the better ones rather than being just a complement to the vocals. The excellent “cover art” can’t go unmentioned either, drawing the listener in even more, as you happily open up the lyric booklet and read along while listening.
Panic Room have come a long way – after the band collapsed, the musicians picked themselves up with no trouble and built an incredibly tight-knit group that, besides the obvious quality, has the desire, the willpower and the goal. “Satellite” (and last but not least “Little Satellite”) only confirm that. They’re already a big “hit” in England, and it’s only a matter of time before the panic euphoria spreads across the rest of Europe, since their prog is extremely accessible to the average ear, which is never a bad thing.
Lineup
Anne-Marie Helder – vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards
Paul Davies – electric guitar
Jonathan Edwards – keyboards
Alun Vaughan – bass guitar
Gavin John Griffiths – drums
Production
Jonathan Edwards and Anne-Marrie Helder
Tracklist
»Satellite«
1. Freedom To Breathe
2. Picking Up Knives
3. I Am A Cat
4. The Fall
5. Black Noise
6. Yasuni
7. Sunshine
8. Into The Fire
9. Dark Star
10. Muse
11. Satellite
»Little Satellite«
1. 5th Amendment
2. The Great Divine
3. Go
4. Sandstorms
