The Panic Manual

Song of the Day: The Bats – Lucky Day

Posted on

17 Jul 2025

Paul

“Lucky Day” is the latest single from new Zealand’s The Bats, taken off their upcoming 11th studio album, Corner Coming Up, out on October 17th via Flying Nun Records. Check it out.

Song of the Day: Margo Price ft. Jesse Welles – Don’t Wake Me Up

Posted on

15 Jul 2025

Paul

“Don’t Wake Me Up” is the latest single from Margo Price, taken off her upcoming fifth studio album Hard Headed Woman. Check out the Subterranean Homesick Blues-referencing video for “Don’t Wake Me Up” below.

Hard Headed Woman is out August 29 via Loma Vista Recordings.

Song of the Day: The Beths – No Joy

Posted on

14 Jul 2025

Paul

Leave it to The Beths to write a song called “No Joy” that still ends up being kind of a joy to listen to. That song is taken off the Auckland band’s upcoming album Straight Line was a Lie, out August 29th via ANTI- Records.

Check out the video for “No Joy” below.

Concert Review: Kurt Vile & The Violators, Merce Lemon, July 11, Danforth Music Hall

Posted on

12 Jul 2025

Paul

I’ve seen Kurt Vile probably at least a half dozen times over the years – first as an opening act for others like J Mascis and Fucked Up, then at festivals, and later as a headliner (and once as a duo with Courtney Barnett). But his show on Friday night at the Danforth Music Hall was probably the best I’ve ever seen him play. That’s likely as much about me as it is about him – I was just in the right frame of mind to fully appreciate the set this time. Still, there’s no doubt that he’s absolutely honed his craft over the years. And on Friday night, Kurt Vile and the Violators treated the crowd to a stellar show, one marked by his trademark laid-back demeanor and packed with chilled-out, hazy guitar heroics. And more “woos” than a Ric Flair promo.

Opening the show was Merce Lemon, who impressed with a dark, mellow country-rock sound that called to mind a blend of Big Thief and Neil Young & Crazy Horse. One of Lemon’s musical influences became clear midway through her set when she asked if there were any Bonnie “Prince” Billy fans in the house. After a smattering of applause, she announced they were going to play a cover. That cover – Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s “I See a Darkness” – was a highlight of the set, as were several of her original tracks, including “Backyard Lover” from her latest album, Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild.

Ultimately, it was one of those shows where everything just clicks. Both artists brought a unique energy that complemented each other perfectly and made for a fully satisfying night of music.

Song of the Day: Die Spitz – Throw Yourself to the Sword

Posted on

11 Jul 2025

Paul

“Throw Yourself to the Sword” is the heavy lead single off of Austin four-piece Die Spitz’s upcoming album Something to Consume. Check out the video below for “Throw Yourself to the Sword” which, naturally, sees vocalist/guitarist Ellie Livingston casually wielding a sword alongside her bandmates in mundane locales such as a laundromat, a grocery store, and an open field.

Something to Consume is out September 12th via Third Man Records.

Song of the Day: Gwenno – Utopia

Posted on

10 Jul 2025

Paul

“Utopia” is the latest single from Gwenno, taken off her upcoming album of the same name, out tomorrow via Heavenly Recordings. Check it out.