Panchiko : Ginkgo
Upon the discovery of an old copy of Panchiko’s EP D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L uploaded onto the internet in 2016, listeners became enamored by the band’s electronics-tinged indie rock. Its ambient sound conveyed a sense of nostalgia that evoked sounds of the late ‘90s and early 2000s. The EP itself was, in fact, initially recorded in 2000, and in this light, Panchiko’s music proves even more fascinating. Given the time of its release, Panchiko comes across as a band ahead of their time —specifically, a time marked by electronic-rock fusions that would come to dominate popular music.
“Ahead of their time” and “nostalgic” are contradictory, yet that’s the strange power of Panchiko’s music. Following the discovery of D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L, awareness of the Nottingham group blossomed, which eventually led them to release new music two decades later. In 2023, Panchiko released their debut LP Failed at Math(s), wherein the band showed growth in their artistry, all while continuing to embrace the nostalgic presence they once captured. Now, just a little under a year later, Panchiko follows up that release with their sophomore effort, Ginkgo.
Ginkgo sounds like an evolution of Failed at Math(s), with Panchiko pushing the boundaries of their craft to create myriad, compelling rhythms, tones and melodies rich with atmosphere. The band continues to incorporate nostalgia with experimentation to create delightful arrangements built out of fuzzy guitar strums and various electronic effects. This is apparent from the get-go in album opener “Florida,” in which Panchiko lay down sequences of buzzing, chirping computer noises alongside shoegaze-like guitar sounds.
While Failed at Math(s) offered a nice serving of stylistic variety throughout its tracklist, Panchiko provide even more musical flavor on Ginkgo. It’s abundant with genre fusions, yet more important than the sheer variety is the fact that Panchiko knows how to fuse all these elements together to create cohesive experiences that ooze with feeling and flow nicely. “Shady in The Graveyard,” featuring billy woods, is one of the record’s standout moments and one of its catchiest, teasing a minimalist electronic intro into an upbeat rhythm and ultimately a dreamy blend of pop-rock. “Honeycomb” captures a similar vibe, whereas a song like “Lifestyle Trainers” finds the band taking a slower approach to capturing mood.
Whether we’re talking 2000 or 2025, bringing guitars and electronics together isn’t anything new. Yet, the manner in which Panchiko arrange electronic effects among melodic grunge-laden rhythms is uniquely appealing. Panchiko don’t lean aggressively into nostalgic vibes, but rather, sprinkle them throughout via small technical touches that create an overall intimate journey.
Among the serene blends of playful rock and soothing electronics, Panchiko evoke a sense of timeliness; as I listened to the record, I found myself thinking about my childhood as well as the adventure I’ve been on since. On Ginkgo, Panchiko facilitate breathtaking soundscapes that serve as a backdrop for contemplation and a vessel for feeling.
Label: Nettwerk
Year: 2025
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