When Tasmanian rockers The Raccoons first hit the scene, it was 1987 and the world was a very different place. Inspired by English Teddy Boy bands and pub rockers like Dr Feelgood, they were a band in a league of their own, championing a unique blend of rockabilly blues and old school rock ‘n’ roll that still stands to this day. In 2012, the band reformed with newfound vigour, catching the ear of Raucous Records, and going on to release a string of impressive releases such as their official and long-awaited debut album, ‘All Draped Up’.
Described as “a 100 mile an hour modern Rockabilly British Teddy boy rock and roll thriller” by the likes of Slap That Bass, that album set a standard that The Raccoons have been keen to break, and one their sophomore record, ‘Panic’, they’ve done just that.
A titanic sixteen-track release that simply refuses to quit, ‘Panic’ is a rockabilly juggernaut that hits the ground running and never once pauses for breath. Armed with all the trademark sounds of classic rockabilly music, the teddy boy four-piece waste no time in making their mark, delivering a stellar opening cut in ‘Hot Rod Dawn’, a fiery track the emerges from the sweet sounds of engines revving and some thunderous percussive beats. As the track builds, the boys unleash a timeless medley of rhythm guitar, upright bass, and some self-assured vocals, laying a steady foundation with a strong automotive anthem.
As the album progresses, highlights abound in tracks like ‘Crazy Days, Crazy Nights’, ‘Electro Shock Boogie’, and the quickfire ‘Black Knight Satellite’, cementing the band’s sound and delivering plenty of intense rhythms and sharp vocal twangs that bring the 1950’s back to your stereo. Elsewhere, there’s plenty to love and admire about the album, with the band hitting their stride and delivering one bash, lively anthem after another. Tracks like ‘Torpedo Alley’, ‘You’ve Got It’, and ‘Shop Girl’ break the mould and add some clever, textured twists to the mix, while the title track arrives a sharp, string-slapping blend of the two styles, conjuring up gorgeous shades of the original rockabilly scene.
A titanic release that defiantly stands apart from the crowd, ‘Panic’ is the beating heart of yesteryear dragged into the modern age, and it’s an absolute joy to hear. Filled with fast-paced, toe-tapping, and wonderfully authentic anthems about cars, girls, and everything in between, ‘Panic’ is an album that Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, and Carl Perkins would be proud of.
Check out the new album above via Spotify and be sure to give The Raccoons a follow on their social media pages below so you never miss a release.
Score: 8/10
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