The Panics

Tue 30th Aug, 2011 in Features

The Panics’ latest record Rain on the Humming Wire conjures memories of childhood summers; ice cream on the jetty, the smell of summer rich in the air, with the heat shining onto your skin through the tree’s shade. It is reminiscent of simpler times, yet balances this simplicity with bigger dreams. For Jae Laffer, the album represents humble beginnings and gives a nod to their achievements thus far, and what direction they are heading next.

After the success of their third album Cruel Guards in 2007, the band spent time in Manchester, writing new material and working through ideas for its eventual recording in New York. “We released Cruel Guards in the UK, so went through everything all over again. It can be a struggle overseas, but it was a great experience and allowed us to draw on those feelings of missing home and the people you care about.”

The record immediately conjures imagery of white picket fences and days spent in the suburbs, memories Laffer and the band alike treasure dearly. Laffer explains that “We work within a template and play in a particular way. I think we just have a knack for looking back at the past and documenting it musically. It is hard not to think of where you grew up and see the romance in the old streets, the places and the people. It is about life really and just looking at situations.”

“I think the album is an honest assessment of how we were feeling and the journey we have been on together and that is all I can strive to do. It has been really great to see people enjoying the songs on the tour, so it’s an exciting time,” says Laffer.

Rain on the Humming Wire provides a moment to reminisce and think about your childhood, your adolescence, and what road to take next. “It is difficult, but really the songs that are really special to me are those which are about a subject a lot of emotion is invested in,” said Laffer. “ One Way Street is a song that stands out because it is about growing up in a simple place with a block of trees where you would sit with friends and dream. It’s about a unique corner of the world and paints a picture on everyday life. I think songs like that are special because they are relatable and not removed from reality.”

The album title was taken from the song Creatures, which Laffer describes as also having that nostalgic sentiment. “It’s about looking back to the centre place of emotion. In WA, the old neighbourhood I lived in was so quiet you could hear the buzzing through the wires. It was like a signal was being sent out or something. I think the album sums up our journey and anticipations.”

Itching to play shows in Australia after their hiatus, the band set out on tour for their single Majesty, the first release off of the album. “It really only took one or two shows to feel like we hadn’t been away at all,” Laffer explains before claiming “I think we are probably playing better than ever.”