Panic Shack live review: If this is how it starts I can’t wait for the climax

Venue: Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
Words & pics: Gavin Allen

Panic stations: Tracksuit manufacturers fear a shortage of stock

The first night of the BBC 6 Music Festival was always going to have some spark to it but the pink touch paper has been absolutely torched.

Panic Shack topped a sweat-soaked and sold-out stage with an all-Welsh, all-female bill and before playing their set they were unmistakable among the crowd while watching Adwaith.

Co-headliners Adwaith are readying their second album for release

The leisurewear is pink and ‘90s, the hair is dip dyed hair and the fringes, well, their hairdressers probably asked twice before agreeing to install them; they’re a band you just have to photograph.

Like a lot of good punk bands they are a gang, not just lining up their hair and wardrobe, but constantly chatting across each other during the gig. There’s a lead singer yes, but she has no monopoly on the mic.

If you want a sonic touchstone then Amyl and the Sniffers will likely get mentioned in every review of their debut EP, Baby Shack, out on April 7. The lyrics are a mix of arch testosterone takedowns (The Ick) and resolute refusal of female stereotypes (I Don’t Want To Hold Your Baby).

The EP is due out in early April. It comes on limited edition pink vinyl via their Bandcamp

They aren’t afraid to play with girl group tropes either, breaking out rehearsed dance routines for Jiu Jits You and Mannequin Man, but The Supremes they ain’t. They enjoyed teasing the BBC cameras with sme “fruity language”.

The winning personality is matched with a ripping autheticity through. Midway through the oinking Cash Piggy, they flip into Killing In The Name Of but don’t milk it. They’re deadly serious and seriously funny all at the same time.

All the 6 Music Festival reviews:

Bloc Party: A banquet of brilliance
Little Simz: It’s her moment
Ibeyi, Porij and Obongjayar: Pure rhythm
‘The joy of being there’: It’s been emotional

Most importantly they play their hooky power pop pin-sharp, even while dancing. This isn’t scrappy punk with gimmicky distractions, it’s a full package.

Panic Shack are a live entity; you need to see it happen. And I suggest you go dressed for the occasion.