Cardiff's own Panic Shack are back, and they’re making a big noise—literally. After a two-year gap, the band has dropped their blistering new single, "Gok Wan," released on Brace Yourself Records. Premiered by Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music, the single serves as a bold glimpse into the quintet’s highly anticipated debut album.
Comprised of Sarah Harvey (vocals), Meg Fretwell (guitar/backing vocals), Romi Lawrence (guitar/backing vocals), Em Smith (bass), and Nick Doherty-Williams (drums), Panic Shack are no strangers to acclaim. In recent years, they've lit up the live music circuit with unforgettable performances at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Green Man, and SXSW, among others. They've also hit the road with acts such as Bob Vylan and Soft Play, cementing their reputation for adrenaline-fueled shows.
“Gok Wan” isn’t just catchy—it’s a searing critique of the toxic culture surrounding early 2000s body "improvement" TV shows. Lyrics inspired by real headlines—like the jaw-dropping “fat or pregnant”—are set against a backdrop of propulsive drums and razor-sharp guitars. Produced by Ali Chant (known for work with PJ Harvey and Yard Act), this track pushes Panic Shack’s sound to powerful new heights.
The accompanying video, directed by Ren Faulkner, shines a harsh light on societal pressures around beauty and body image. With choreography by Lauren Fretwell, it starkly reflects the challenges of growing up under the male gaze-driven aesthetics of the noughties.
“We dug deep into the memories of shows like How To Look Good Naked and Trinny and Susannah,” the band shared. “Although things have improved, it’s still shocking to think how those attitudes shaped us as teenagers. This song confronts that absurdity head-on.”
Panic Shack’s acclaim spans far and wide, with praise from NME, DIY, MOJO, and more, not to mention massive playlist support from BBC 6 Music. Live, they’re a force to be reckoned with—MOJO dubbed them “an early candidate for band of the festival” at Glastonbury.
In support of "Gok Wan" and their forthcoming album, Panic Shack are gearing up for their headline UK Don’t Quit Your Day Job tour this May. With tickets selling fast and multiple dates already sold out, fans won’t want to miss this electrifying act.
Tour Dates:
May 1st | Nottingham, UK - Bodega [sold out]
May 2nd | Cambridge, UK - MASH
May 3rd | Norwich, UK - Norwich Arts Centre
May 6th | Brighton, UK - Patterns [sold out]
May 8th | Birmingham, UK - The Castle & Falcon
May 9th | Wrexham, UK - FOCUS Wales
May 10th | Leeds, UK - The Wardrobe
May 11th | Newcastle, UK - Cluny
May 13th | Glasgow, UK - King Tuts Wah Wah Hut
May 14th | Sheffield, UK - Yellow Arch Studios [sold out]
May 15th | Liverpool, UK - Arts Club
May 16th | Manchester, UK - Band on the Wall
May 18th | Oxford, UK - The Bullingdon [sold out]
May 19th | Southampton, UK - Papillon ]
May 20th | Milton Keynes, UK - Craufurd Arms
May 22nd | Bristol, UK - Thekla [sold out]
May 23rd | Port Talbot, UK - In It Together Festival
May 25th | Newport, UK - Corn Exchange
May 28th | London, UK - The Garage
July 10th | Cheltenham, UK - Upcote Farm
July 18th | Portishead, UK - Homestead Festival
From feminist anthems to high-energy live performances, Panic Shack are redefining modern punk. “Gok Wan” not only introduces what’s next for the band—it reinforces that they’re a voice that refuses to be ignored.
Catch Panic Shack on tour this May and watch for more from these Cardiff powerhouses as 2025 unfolds. Tickets available here
