I Panic – Growing Up In Public (2024)
Formed in 1987 by musician Marcel van Tetering and two lifelong friends, I Panic made a plan to create authentic, original, genuine music for the masses; skip ahead a few decades and I Panic is a solo project. Retaining the ethos of creating authentic, original and genuine music, Dutch singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist van Tetering continues sharing the sounds of I Panic to audiences. Expressing raw emotions with poetic lyricism and a moving melody, van Tetering’s music resonates with international listeners in an intimate, profound manner. Already acquainted with I Panic, The Other Side Reviews follows his discography with awe, so jump into his current EP with us and enjoy the ride.
A conglomeration of singles released throughout 2021, Growing Up In Public is a glimpse into I Panic’s past, but with a slight twist. Previously, the singles were evident of DIY demos recorded in a small home studio with hushed distortion and rawness; however, Growing Up In Public oozes sophisticated production layering refined vocals atop an engaging melody. Yet, while the production is polished, the rugged rawness remains in each track.
Surrounded by music of all genres in his youth, the influences of numerous artists in various styles burst from each of I Panic’s singles. From the power-pop sound of the Beatles in ‘I’m Here in The Fridge’ to old-school grunge in ‘I Will Never’ with Joy Division post-punk tinges in ‘Stronger’ and a tinge of folk-rock in ‘Take My Hand’ – Growing Up In Public appeals to audiences of all preferences and ages.
Breathing life into nostalgic whispers, Growing Up In Public is a drag back to the 70s and 80s. The thing is, at least in my opinion, that while retro sounds are prominent with links to Joy Division and Radiohead, a heavy touch of the Beatles reigns in the EP. Interestingly, the slips of Paul McCartney and John Lennon are entwined with the heavier, harder tones bringing your ears an explosive feast of genres in a single track.
Alongside the 2024 remixes of ‘Kill The Dog’, ‘I’m Here In The Fridge’, ‘I Will Never’, ‘Stronger’ and ‘Take My Hand’ is a new original track titled ‘Yo-Yo Man’. I find it difficult to choose a favourite amidst the marvellous tracks but if I had to, ‘Yo-Yo Man’ would it be. Diverging from the slips of the Beatles in their pop, rock and folk glory, ‘Yo-Yo Man’ is a splash of vintage ska. Running from side to side with rapturous energy, the track is a non-stop rollercoaster ride – like a yo-yo. Interestingly, as the song has your heart pounding and head spinning in its high-speed tempo, a quick lull of reggae intersects giving you a slight reprieve… then it’s back to the insanity.
An elegant EP, I Panic’s Growing Up In Public stretches from soothing, sincere and calm lulls to “jump up and down because you just can’t stop the crazed enthusiasm” showcasing I Panic’s versatility, originality and innovation as an artist. The one element that is continuous across the six-track release is the power of Marcel van Tetering’s vocals. Bold and confident, the bouncing ‘Yo-Yo Man’ is a speedy rush of abrupt vocals while ‘Stronger’ takes a slower, more vulnerable and fragile tone. The songs may be diverse, but the intimate emotion lingers in his dulcet voice.
Listening to I Panic’s Growing Up In Public sparks riotous rebellion, dark desperation, melancholy nostalgia, raw spine-chilling ruggedness, and sophisticated maturity – all creative expressions of life in its totality. From the opening ‘Kill The Dog’ to the final track ‘Take My Hand’, Growing Up In Public is a public perusal of life in marvellous melodies.
Find out more about I Panic on his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
