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Panic Room - Skin CD (album) cover

SKIN

Panic Room

 

Crossover Prog

3.70 | 115 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Second Life Syndrome
Prog Reviewer
4 stars I will come right out and say that I am very impressed with this release from Panic Room. I had no expectations going into "Skin", as this is my first experience with the UK-based outfit. However, they have gained my immediate attention, and also my anticipation for their recently announced 2014 album.

Panic Room is a female-fronted progressive rock band that utilizes dark guitar atmospheres, some novel instruments, and incredible violins. The rock music is very well performed, and it is augmented with some electronic elements and a melancholy ambiance that draws you into the emotions being portrayed here. Really, the violin is masterfully performed and written, as can be seen on such tracks as "Tightrope Walking" and "Promises". It is simply astounding to see such inventive and purposeful use of an instrument that is usually more atmospheric or orchestral. Here it is raw, vulnerable, and beautiful.

Speaking of raw and vulnerable, I think the cover art really showcases what you will experience. Confusion and insecurity reign in the lyrical content, and you can really detect the feelings of vulnerability portrayed by the nudity in the open forest. Wet, alone, and possibly scared, "Skin" is a fascinating look into a melancholy mind.

Anne Helder has one of the best female voices I've ever heard. Actually, she has one of the best voices I've ever heard, male or female. Clear, concise, and extremely melodious, Anne's voice is powerful when necessary and small when appropriate. "Impressed" doesn't begin to address her voice. More like "astonished" or "flabbergasted". I was, strangely enough, especially interested in her ability to annunciate but still keep the melody intact. That's talent! I can think of no great compliment than to say that she reminds me of a younger Anne Jobs Bender of the band Introitus. Amazing!

Dark, emotive, and hauntingly beautiful; "Skin" is a near-masterpiece, and I am confident that Panic Room's next album will be something special. I really hope they can continue their very personal style of music.

Second Life Syndrome | 4/5 |

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