The Woodford Files: The Panics

3 December 2009 by Richard Wilson

Next in our ongoing Woodford Files series: The Panics. The true definition of a hardworking band, having achieved success following years of touring and consistent critical acclaim for their growing catalogue of EPs and albums.

The Panics make their Woodford debut in 2009. Unmistakable vocals from Jae Laffer and a textured and unique soundscape created by a truly talented have seen me follow this band keenly since their debut EP back in 2002. Over the subsequent years they've slogged away, releasing three acclaimed albums and had considerable success over the past two years, culminating in a J-Award for their latest album Cruel Guards and #10 on the Triple J Hottest 100 for its standout track "Don't Fight It".

The warm and jaunty sound of The Panics has steadily evolved over the three albums, into the mature sound they showcase today; hot guitars sting while cool vocals and layered instrumentation give a calm, jaunty base to their sound. Rock-based but not in a typical way, The Panics sound borrows plenty from folk, just the right amount of country thrown in and appropriately experimental and industrial here and there, The Panics are a lesson in restraint.

Consumate live performers, The Panics appear for a headline slot at The Amphitheatre on the Sunday of the festival at 11pm and late-night set the following night at The Grande. The grandeur of the Aphitheatre show can't be missed, but there's perhaps no Australian band better suited to a 12:20pm festival slot than The Panics; an ideal way to wind down a big night. For the latest playing times and ticketing info check http://www.woodfordfolkfestival.com/

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