Panic Channel - Invisible Line

Invisible Line, Panic Channel's first release of the year, is a blending of the band's cheerful, oshare side mixed with their harder, gothic sensibilities. The six track mini-album is a refreshing reminder of the different styles that Panic Channel incorporates into its unique sound.

Peace kicks off with a catchy instrumental intro, combining quick-paced drumbeats, subtly sweet guitar chords, and ska-style horns. Meguru's voice is light and optimistic against the melting pot of sounds, kiri's bass line flowing nicely throughout. Mayo's guitar solo is a bright break in the vocals, which the entire band lends backing to.

The next track, ever and ever, boasts lively guitar riffs from Kana and Mayo before a short bridge with slightly distorted vocals. It picks up with Meguru's sugary voice carrying through to a lively guitar solo; definitely the kind of song that leaves a happy feeling with the listener.

Fairy starts with heavier guitars and a pulsing bass line, almost a mess of sounds upon first listen. Meguru's voice sparkles against the music and the rest of the band members once again provide their blithe backing vocals. kiri's bass is a standout, flowing nicely underneath a climbing guitar solo mid-track and carrying through to the finish.

A somber guitar intro pulls the listener into loveless, a song that brings out Panic Channel's dark side. Meguru's vocals are hushed, almost haunting and backed by heavy bass lines and commanding guitar riffs. KYO~YA exhibits skillful drumming that is anything but lost in the other sounds. Not only does this song introduce the less perky side of the band, but it also shows that Meguru's voice isn’t always sweet and sunny. Soaring and deep with a subtle vibrato as the track continues on, the vocals fade out on a downbeat instrumental ending.

The listener is launched into knife by a low, spoken intro with hard guitar riffs and KYO~YA's pounding drumbeats. Meguru's voice matches well with the instruments, the sound of orchestral or synthesized strings blended into the background. A thrumming bass line, along with superb drum work, drives this track into another exhilarating guitar break and slams along to die out on a final high riff.

Tenbin begins quietly before exploding into the listener’s ears. Meguru's screams and growls are suited perfectly to this style. kiri's strong bass line is the life of the song, the perfect backing to Meguru's voice as it seems to slip back into that optimistic tone, if only momentarily, and bridging out to a guitar break before growling out his ending.

A fine example of the two styles of music that Panic Channel creates, Invisible Line is a fair way for the band to start the year. New listeners will be able to hear both sides, bright and dark, while longtime fans will get another taste of what they’ve always loved about this versatile group of musicians. Invisible Line does not disappoint and is only the start of, what will hopefully be, a very busy year for the boys.