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With the eclectic box of delights of their debut album, ‘Visionary Position’ behind them, Panic Room are set to build on their reputation as a powerful and subtle group of performers with the new album 'Satellite' due for imminent release. With their roots in proto-celtic prog band, Karnataka, (4 of the band were members of the original award-winning line-up), Panic Room is a very different beast with a much harder edge and a spontaneous and improvisational quality that makes their live performances such compelling events. Strong, melodic song writing wedded to a desire to reinvent the music in the live arena saw them pick up the award for ‘Best New Band’ at the CRS Awards in January 2009.
The band have now completed recording 'Satellite', their 2nd album which is currently being mixed and maintains their fresh and eclectic approach with music ranging from the sci-fi metal of 'Dark Star' to the chilled-out summery shimmer of 'Sunshine'. With the basic tracks recorded live in the studio the new album has a real live vibe to it with tons of energy and subtle touches in the new material that sees the band developing in leaps and bounds.
Their blend of various music influences in a rock band setting has enthralled audiences and their restless desire to move forward and explore new musical territory has proved a refreshing change in a largely nostalgia driven musical scene.
Panic Room owe their success and sound in no small measure to the sheer magnetism of singer, Anne-Marie Helder’s voice. Her amazing range and sensitivity are spell-binding, from the breathy floating vocal of the band’s own ‘Moon on the Water’ to the Plant meets Morissette powerhouse on Panic Room’s funky electronic take on Led Zeppelin’s ‘No Quarter’ which has been such a highlight of their live shows. She is that rare creature... a truly individual singer.
Panic Room’s debut album ‘Visionary Position’ was released in April 2008 and received rave reviews from various music magazines and websites including Classic Rock Magazine and Powerplay who both gave it 8/10. ‘Elektra City’ from the band’s first album was the opening track on the cover mount CD free with the first issue of the new national magazine ‘CLASSIC ROCK PRESENTS PROG’ launched in April 2009, which also featured a great review of Panic Room’s first London gig. A full page profile of the band also features in issue 2 of the magazine.
Anne-Marie also performs with Mostly Autumn and recently guested with Wetton & Downes on their new album ‘iCON 3’ (performing a duet with John Wetton (King Crimson/Asia)). She is also a prolific solo artist and has just completed a UK wide series of dates supporting ULTRAVOX on their 2009 Reunion Tour. Panic Room drummer, Gavin John Griffiths, also plays with Mostly Autumn and is a member of Fish’s band.
The band:
Paul Davies - an endlessly creative soloist, with Panic Room Paul continues to display the electric magic that he first presented on stage with Karnataka. His guitar playing is an integral part of the Panic Room sound.
Jonathan Edwards - one of Karnataka's main songwriters, Jon continues to stretch his songwriting imagination to encompass rock, folk, jazz and prog influences in the evergrowing palette of sound that is Panic Room.
Gavin John Griffiths - an amazing drummer and all-round nice guy, Gavin is the powerhouse behind the Panic Room sound. Another former Karnataka member, Gavin is also currently drumming for Fish and has appeared with Mostly Autumn on their recent tours.
Anne-Marie Helder - singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Anne-Marie also co-writes all the songs on the debut and the forthcoming album and is the voice and main lyricist of Panic Room. A wonderfully rich and emotive singer, her voice is the common thread running through the wide and varied sounds of the band. A former member of Tiger Dragon and Karnataka, she also enjoys a prolific solo career and has supported many major artists.
Alun Vaughan - although primarily a jazz bassist, Alun claims to have been inspired to take up the bass after seeing Gene Simmons on stage with Kiss and it is this combination of rock and jazz sensibilities that he brings to Panic Room. A tasteful and compelling player with amazing improvisational skills.
For information about the past and present musical adventures of Panic Room members visit the following websites:
www.annemariehelder.com - information on Anne-Marie's solo career, various collaborations and band projects.
www.alunvaughan.com - information on Alun's musical world.
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