The Panic Tool arrives as a confident and creative introduction to SocialClub Hyangwu, a Korean all-girl indie rock and garage outfit with a clear feel for both raw immediacy and expressive atmosphere. Across five tracks, the EP balances scrappy garage energy with moments of moodier introspection, blending twang-heavy guitars, thick basslines, and tight, lively drumming with vocals that sound self-assured and characterful. It’s playful without being careless, and thoughtful without losing momentum.
The opening cut, “Riot,” wastes no time establishing the band’s edge. Twangy, overdriven riffs ride atop a dirty, resonant bass tone, while fast, sharp drums and splashy cymbals push the song forward with urgency. The vocals cut through with bite and confidence, and a slower, more chaotic midsection introduces a welcome shift in dynamics. Clunky guitar tones and loose backing vocals give the track an art-rock messiness that suits the band’s aesthetic, even if the fade-out feels slightly unruly.
“Stranger” tightens things up considerably. Distorted, jangly riffs and bouncy low end form a solid foundation, supported by crisp, well-captured drums and layered vocal lines that feel intentional and controlled. The structure is simple, but the execution is sharp, allowing the instrumentation to shine without crowding the mix. It’s one of the EP’s clearest and most cohesive moments, showing how effective the band can be when everything locks into place.
The pace drops on “Dusties,” which leans into a grimier, stoner-rock-adjacent atmosphere. Slow, heavy bass and drums pair with warped, distorted guitars to create an immersive, hazy feel. High-pitched vocals and freer guitar passages add unpredictability, and the song’s second half drifts into a distinctly ’90s alt-rock space, with swirling riffs and nostalgic textures that still feel contemporary. It’s a bold shift that highlights the band’s willingness to stretch beyond standard garage rock formulas.
“Home Sweet Home” brings the energy back up, driven by springy riffs, thick bass, and straightforward but effective drumming. The vocals here are bright and playful, delivered with an ease that suggests the band is enjoying every second of the performance. It’s an infectious track that blends technical competence with personality, landing somewhere between punchy and carefree.
The EP closes on a softer note with “Ophelia,” a dreamy, subdued track built on washed-out guitar tones, deep bass, and restrained percussion. Layered vocals drift gently over the mix, and the slower, distorted passages underline the band’s versatility, offering a calm, reflective counterbalance to the more aggressive moments earlier on.
Overall, The Panic Tool is a vibrant and expressive debut that captures SocialClub Hyangwu in the middle of discovery. The production isn’t always spotless, and the vocals occasionally slip into chaos or get slightly buried, but those rough edges add character rather than detract from the experience. It’s a release full of personality and promise—proof of a band already carving out its own space while leaving plenty of room to grow.
