Limerick-based alt-rock outfit Van Panther have released their new single, The Old Country, and announced their debut album, Icarian. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
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Tell us three things about yourself . . .
We are Van Panther from the lovely mid-west city of Limerick; big fans of stout, Aston Villa/Arsenal, Yu-Gi-Oh!, armchair socialism, and souls-like video games. That's five things, but it sums us up pretty well.
How would you describe your music?
Lyrically, our songs tend to be on the heavier side, and instrumentally and melodically, we try to mirror that weight. We aim to be as descriptive as possible whilst leaving space for speculation about what (or who) the subject matter really is. It can be taken at face value - maybe a focus on internal strife or perceived external extremities - and instrumentally, we try to match that. At the same time, we put strong emphasis on melody to cut through and balance any abrasive or confrontational edges.
Who are your musical inspirations?
We’re a mixed bag of influences, but at the core we’re big fans of Brian Eno, Mogwai, Enter Shikari, Radiohead, and Alice in Chains - amongst many, many others.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The 00s defined our early gig-going culture: Elbow, Gorillaz, The Specials (still riding high at that stage), Muse, and a hardcore band called Ensign.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Two of us were very cool and very hip for the time - Linkin Park’s debut, Hybrid Theory, was eagerly plucked from the shelves of a local HMV when we were kids. The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance, R.E.M.’s Automatic for the People, and the double-disc deluxe of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Stadium Arcadium round it out.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Oklou’s Blue Bird has been on repeat for me; the rest of the guys are floating NERO & Taiki Nulight’s Innocence 2025 (big up the UK massive), Shellac and the late great Steve Albini’s I Don’t Fear Hell, northern troubadours Kneecap’s Gael Gigolos, and Limerick’s own Sweets with All Is Moderate.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Let me not be too consumed with this world/Sometimes I want to go home/And stay out of sight for a long time - from Midlake’s Van Occupanther, the track that gave our band its name.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
One from each of us: Stolen Dog by Burial, Farewell Transmission by Songs: Ohia, Hit the City by Mark Lanegan, Siberian Breaks by MGMT, and A Gallant Gentleman by We Lost the Sea.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Our music is available on all major streaming platforms and for purchase on Bandcamp!
Alan Corr
