Sunday, December 02, 2012

PANAMA - Band on the Month December 2012

A classically trained pianist from the age of six, songwriter and frontman, Jarrah McCleary grew up in the sticky heat of the Northern Territory. His previous project, The Dirty Secrets saw the band working between Australia and London with iconic producer and engineer, Nick Terry (Klaxons, Libertines).

Panama is the new incarnation for McCleary, who is joined by his old band mate, Cam Edwards and a collective of hand-selected local artists to create Australia’s finest five-piece. Steeped in splashes of yacht rock, Hopeful house music and an avid appreciation fro the '80s, Panama make music that is as brimming with a quiet, golden nostalgia as it is bright and anthemic in its delivery.

Panama's debut single 'Magic' premiered in early 2012 on Filter Magazine. It received significant airplay across their natal Australia and also in many countries around the world, including Kool Rock Radio. 

Recorded in Los Angeles with super producer, Eric Broucek of DFA Records fame (Holy Ghost, LCD Soundsystem), Panama's latest EP "I'ts Not Over" continues to prove that the success of this Sydney quintet has only just begun. The EP also sees the band enlist some high hat help from Jim Orso on drums (Holy Ghost!, Hot chip) adding a layer to the sound that is as relevant and 'now' as it is brimful of '80s influence.

Released via iconic indie dance record label, Future Classic, "I'ts Not Over" is the dark horse of content-heavy dance-pop world. channelling the likes of Peter Gabriel with nods to companions Cut Copy and Van She, this six-track EP is a 2012 staple for any discerning listener.

"It's Not over" is out now and you can order your copy on iTunes.