THE PANDA GANG
FLIPSIDE
Release Date: 24th Jan, 2000Cat No: DISCO0001
Format: CDS
Tracks: Jet stream ~ Gymnastics
THAT'S NO LADY…. THAT'S THE PANDA GANG
As someone might once have said, "Got your mother in a whirl / Don't know if you're a boy or a girl", and so it is with Panda Gang. They used to live in Southport, now they live nearer South Croydon. The singer has a lady's voice.
And this is their debut single in this country, `Flipside'. But it could all have happened much much earlier for them. As far back as 1995 in fact, when Brent Thorley, Dom Clark and Ian Pakes were approached by legendary Rolling Stones and Traffic producer Jimmy Miller. The stage was set; Panda Gang were on their way. So too, sadly, was Jimmy Miller, to the other side, so to speak. Not like there's ever a good time to pop yer clogs, it's just that some times are less convenient than others.
After that it was the usual humdrum struggle through crappy jobs as window cleaners and charcouterie assistants, discovering three-part harmonies along the way and finally getting to record a single for Bristol's Mouse Records. Who promptly went bust with the single unreleased. So they do what any band would do in the circumstances, they recorded an album and released it in Japan, where it sold 3,000 copies.
That done, they can set about winning some home country hearts with their smooth, smoky blend of 60s soul, low-down, sultry jazz and mod-inspired pop. Have a listen to Brent's voice and tell us you know for certain that he's a gentleman. And listen to Panda Gang and tell us they aren't the best new band of the year 2000.
As someone else might once have said, "Life is like the Shifty Disco Singles Club - you never know what you'll get next".