They might share a home town with Robbie Williams (Stoke), but Moral Panics couldn’t be further in style from the veteran popstar. Displaying a hunger to succeed that’s always good to see, this indie-pop four piece have styled themselves on ‘bands that have tried something new’ – a lofty ambition in the music industry, but an admirable one.
Having already gained a decent reputation around Stoke – including consistent sellout shows and radio play – it seems their strength in their hometown is that they have managed to set themselves apart from the rest. Whether they will be able to do that on a national (or international) scale is yet to be seen, but the omens are good.
Their particular brand of indie is most remarkable for its use of guitar. Switching between looped, technical melodies and chunkier chords, the guitar is never distorted but clear and rhythmic – making it a real feature of their work.
Beneath that, the drums are solid and regular shifts in rhythms and timing (see single ‘February’, due in May) keep things fresh. Meanwhile, the vocal sits over the top with a well suited sense of detachment.
Sound fun? See for yourself: https://moralpanics.bandcamp.com/album/wlvs
