:PANIC :OVER
Our connection with :Panic :Over started in probably the most random way we’ve ever met a band. We found ourselves standing behind guitarist Charlie at an Inhaler gig, before later calling into Hectic Records and discovering the band playing a set outside the shop. We took it as a sign and headed along to their headline show at The Empire not long after.
All of this happened before Near The Noise even existed, so you could say :Panic :Over have always been part of our journey into the local music scene. They were one of the bands that got us hooked on going to local gigs in the first place. Most recently, we caught them live again at Ulster Sports Club, supported by Dog Swim - our very first Near The Noise Artist of the Month - making this feature feel like a real full-circle moment.
MEET THE BAND
:Panic :Over are four best friends from Bangor, made up of Reuben Curran (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Charlie Gribbons (lead vocals and lead guitar), Dharesh McCarthy (bass) and Ben Simms (drums). The four piece, decided to start an indie rock band in 2020, “after the great toilet paper famine”.
“Our first practice was actually planned for the same day lockdown got announced.”
At the beginning, the guys started by playing covers in bars and the main aim was to keep having fun playing together.
Eventually, the original music came along and an entry for a bit of craic led them to winning the Rockshore Battle of the Bands in 2023. That’s where things really started to come together as they met their now manager that same evening.
THEIR SOUND
One thing we can definitely say about :Panic :Over is they consistently deliver songs you can sing along to with ease. Every track translates effortlessly to a live setting, and there’s a reason their gigs have become known for their atmosphere.
“It’s catchy hooks you can sing along to that feels like sitting on your mates shoulders with your arms in the air at a festival in summer, while also the occasional tune you can open the pit to!”
We’ve witnessed the pit opening up first-hand and even the band jumping into it themselves, which always makes for one of the standout moments of the night.
They describe their own writing as similar to that of Sam Fenders style meeting the energy and anthemic nature of Foo Fighters.
“or as some have simply dubbed it - Foo Fenders.”
Besides those artists, fans might be surprised to know the band have a little musical theatre connection, as that’s where the two vocalists, Reuben and Charlie met.
“I'm not saying :Panic :Over are secretly the next Sondheim or Andrew Lloyd Webber, but perhaps in some of the storytelling in our songs hidden away in there is a bit of ballad influence.”
THE SCENE
The guys are big supporters of the music scene throughout all of Ireland, having done an Irish tour themselves last year, but you can also catch them in the crowd enjoying the show at plenty of local gigs.
When asked about their favourite local bands, we were lucky enough to receive a list of very talented artists:
(in no particular order)
Brand New Friend
The Florentinas
Esmeralda Road
Jet Black Tulips
Madam's Last Discovery
Disorder
Charlie Hanlon
Schtick
Penny's Band
Klyda
Aine Gordon
Joshua Burnside
Chalk
Anna's Number
Lemonade Shoelace
Dark Tropics
Antwan Ruiz
Makeshift Art Bar
Cosign
Touzai
Dea Matrona
They’re also quick to point out that’s not an exhaustive list and there are so many more talented bands they’re fans of.
“IF WE MISSED ANYONE I AM SO SORRY”
LIVE & UPCOMING
:Panic :Over have had plenty of standout shows recently, including a sold-out headline show at Ulster Sports Club and their first-ever festival appearance at Stendhal, both of which they describe as highlights of their live career so far.
Another unforgettable moment came during their trip to Japan last year, which they still describe as surreal.
“We played 4 gigs in one day, two of which were in a massive 600 capacity room that was packed with a line out the door.”
They hope to soon be supporting some bigger artists and make a very convincing case for themselves.
“We promise we're really nice and play good tunes and if you have us we'll not be a pain”
In terms of releasing music, the band have been on a pretty consistent run of singles, and excitingly, we can expect another :Panic :Over tune released very soon.
“I can't say too much more, but if you've ever been to one of our live shows then you've been hearing it live for years!”
OUR VERDICT
If you’ve never seen :Panic :Over live before, you’re missing one of the most enjoyable live shows on the local circuit.
Their songs are built for a crowd, whether that’s singing along to every word, or finding yourself caught in the middle of an unexpected mosh pit (you might even catch Alex from Dog Swim in there too).
They’re the kind of band that leave a room buzzing long after the final song finishes.
We’re delighted to be working with :Panic :Over as they headline our very first On Record Live Instore at Bending Sound. It’ll be exciting to see the four-piece in a completely different environment, stripping everything back for a more intimate homecoming performance.
As they put it:
“I think with the way we strip back these tunes to a more intimate place almost unravels and undresses a new layer to the songs that maybe isn’t so obvious when it’s on full blast!”
We’re looking forward to experiencing that different side of :Panic :Over and can’t wait to share it with you.
