Permission To Panic - ​Runaways

Permission To Panic

​Runaways
self-released; 2015

4.2 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

​By Matt Jensen

I sure do love myself a healthy dose of synth pop. Bands like The Chromatics, Glass Candy and Blonde Redhead make music that to my ears feels warm and dreamlike with irresistible hooks that make it almost instantly easy to enjoy. Permission To Panic which is the collaboration between Laura Jordan and Kim Deuss has many things in common with the aforementioned groups. The thing is that Permission To Panic doesn’t sound like a watered down version compared to those groups but sounds quite competitive to them. 

Their five-song EP entitled Runaways tout exceptional songwriting, production and fluidity. Right off the bat I was attracted to their vocals. Their voices are almost one and the same and I say that as a compliment. The singing is soft, warm and dare I say comforting. Whether singing solo or harmonizing I was able to appreciate their vocals.

The music revolves around synths and drum machines with other sparse instrumentation added for good measure. I never felt like the songs needed more than they had. The synth sounds are mostly soft atmospheric, ethereal pads, which give plenty of space for the vocals.

The opener “Runaways” was an excellent choice as it has a good amount of energy and upbeat momentum. On top of that the song is just damn catchy. If you aren’t humming along by the second chorus there may be something wrong with you. “Runaways” is the arguable highlight of the five songs but either way you look at it this song is essential listening. 

“The Cinema” dips into a bit of melancholy and if I’m not mistaken there is some authentic saxophone scattered about. The duo continues on with another delightfully catchy tune entitled “Dying Then” which is upbeat and fun with a tinge of darkness. Just the way I like it. I couldn’t help but think of Beach House towards the beginning of “September 11” while the closer “Floating on the Sea” has noticeable acoustic guitar, which was an effective way of slightly mixing things up.

Permission To Panic goes five for five with this EP. Suffice it to say this is an exceptional start from the duo and I hope to hear more really soon.

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