Are there going to be distribution problems like there were on VP?  I had to wait six months after release to buy it in the States.

But it was worth the wait.  Good album and I am bummed that I have the only written review here on PA.  More people should look into this band, especially the ones who like female vocals as Miss Helder is wonderful.

Panic Room have completed the recording sessions for their 2^nd album entitled ‘Satellite’. The songs were recorded and are currently being mixed by Tim Hamill at Sonic One Studio (where the band’s debut album, ‘Visionary Position’ was mixed) and the new album will be mastered by Tori Amos’ engineer of choice, Jon Astley, at Close To The Edge in Twickenham.  The band were so pleased with the excellent results produced by both Tim and Jon on Panic Room’s debut album that they were delighted to be able to work with them again on the new release.

 

Panic Room have maintained their eclectic approach with music ranging from the Sci-Fi metal of ‘Dark Star’ to the chilled out summery shimmer of a song like ‘Sunshine’ (with echoes of Air/Zero 7).  Anne-Marie Helder’s singing on these songs has never been better and lyrically too, she’s on a real high, from the social commentary of songs like ‘Yasuni’ and ‘Picking Up Knives’ to the playfulness of ‘I Am A Cat’ where her feline side gets to flex it’s claws!  Live favourites like ‘Into The Fire’ and ‘Go’ are also included and transformed. ‘Freedom to Breathe’ and ‘5^th Amendment’ show off the band’s ability to craft epic rock songs with hooks, riffs and choruses that will instantly stick in your head and not let go, while title track ‘Satellite’ is a huge ambient spacey ballad that opens out into the most gorgeous chorus.  For those who loved VP’s quieter moments like Moon on the Water and Firefly, ‘Muse’ features another achingly beautiful vocal performance from Anne-Marie as well as a gorgeous piano duet with Jon.

 

‘Satellite’ will be available from all good retailers and on-line stores as a single 11-track album later in the year, but pre-orders of the Special Edition are now being taken from  http://www.panicroom.org.uk/satellite.htm, where you can also hear and download a teaser compilation of snippets from the ‘mixes in progress’ of ‘SATELLITE’. The trailer can also be heard on www.myspace.com/panicroomuk

 

 

The Special Edition is a deluxe version with expanded lyric booklet and also includes a bonus disc featuring 4 new songs recorded at the ‘Satellite’ sessions, but not included on the standard edition of the album.  This edition will only be available from the band’s website and at live gigs.

 

The 1^st 50 pre-orders received will get a signed copy of the special edition.  All pre-orders received will also be entered into a draw & 1 lucky winner will receive 2 free tickets to the Panic Room gig of their choice and a signed ‘Visionary Position’ promo pack.

 

Pre-orders will be package and postage FREE.

 

Pre-orders will be mailed out as soon as the album is back from the manufacturers (we expect this to be by the end of October) and will be weeks before the standard edition is officially released.

 

LIVE DATES:

 

You can catch Panic Room performing songs from ‘Satellite’ & ‘Visionary Position’ live on the following dates;

 

SEPT

11^th (Friday)                   The Venue, Stocksbridge, Sheffield

12^th (Saturday)               The Peel, Kingston upon Thames

13^th (Sunday)                 Milkwood Jam, Swansea

18^th (Friday)                   The Duchess, York

19^th (Saturday)               The Flowerpot, Derby

20^th (Sunday)                 The Marrs Bar, Worcester

 

OCT

23^rd (Friday)                   The Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury (Support: Jump)

 

Nov

13^th (Friday)                   Esquires, Bedford