Panic Shack Hit the Road with “Thelma & Louise” – A Celebration of Friendship and Freedom

8 June 2025 rocknews

Cardiff’s punk-fueled powerhouse Panic Shack have returned with a fresh anthem, “Thelma & Louise,” a track that previews their upcoming self-titled debut album and serves as a heartfelt ode to female friendship. Accompanied by a visually striking music video directed by Ren Faulkner, the song captures the essence of hitting the road with your best mates, embracing adventure, and celebrating bonds that often outshine romantic relationships.

A Love Song—But Not the Kind You Expect

Panic Shack, comprised of Sarah Harvey (vocals), Meg Fretwell (guitar), Romi Lawrence (guitar), Emily Smith (bass), and Nick Doherty-Williams (drums), have built their reputation on raw energy, infectious hooks, and a rebellious spirit. “Thelma & Louise” marks a slight departure, being their first—and likely last—love song, championing the deep, unwavering connection between friends. Inspired by the iconic 1991 film Thelma & Louise, directed by Ridley Scott, the track channels themes of freedom, defiance, and unbreakable camaraderie. Engineered by Niklas Lueger at The Playpen, Bristol, and produced and mixed by Ali Chant, the song delivers their most immediate and joyous sound yet.

“We thought it was about time we championed being in love with your best friends,” the band shared in an interview with Kerrang!. “There are a million songs about love interests and broken hearts, but friendships can be just as powerful, if not more so.”

The Video: A Road Trip with a Punk Twist

The music video, directed by Ren Faulkner, sees the band embarking on their own Thelma & Louise-style adventure, cruising open roads with reckless joy. Featuring a Mustang from Mr & Mrs Mustang Wedding, drone shots by Richard Morris, and even a leaf blower from Tom Pearson, the visuals are drenched in nostalgia, rebellion, and the thrill of escaping the mundane—an aesthetic that aligns seamlessly with Panic Shack’s ethos, as noted by Indie is not a genre.

The Album and What’s Next

“Thelma & Louise” is a teaser for Panic Shack’s self-titled debut album, set to drop on July 18 via Brace Yourself Records. Fans can pre-order the album on CD, LP, or digitally at https://lnk.to/PanicShack-LP. The album features tracks like “Gok Wan” and “Girl Band Starter Pack,” promising high-energy riffs, sharp lyricism, and unapologetic punk attitude.

To celebrate the release, Panic Shack will perform at UK record stores, including Rough Trade East in London and Resident Records in Brighton, alongside a unique double release day event at Cardiff’s Sustainable Studios featuring a pop-up Panic Shack shop. They’ll also embark on an extensive UK and European tour from October to December 2025, including their biggest headline shows to date at London’s Electric Brixton on December 4 and Cardiff’s Tramshed on December 5.

2025 Tour Dates:

October:
- 9 – Margate, UK – Where Else
- 10 – Brighton, UK – Chalk
- 11 – Cambridge, UK – New Shiny Festival
- 12 – Bristol, UK – SWX
- 15 – Sheffield, UK – Foundry
- 16 – Manchester, UK – Academy 2
- 17 – Glasgow, UK – Garage
- 18 – Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms
November:
- 6 – Reykjavik, IS – Iceland Airwaves Festival
- 15 – Leeds, UK – Live at Leeds in the City
- 19 – Antwerp, BE – Trix Bar
- 20 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg
- 21 – Hamburg, DE – Molotow
- 22 – Cologne, DE – Yuca
- 24 – Berlin, DE – Lark
- 25 – Munich, DE – Orange House
- 28 – Paris, FR – Festival Les Femmes S’en Mêlent
- 30 – Madrid, ES – Wurlitzer
December:
- 1 – Barcelona, ES – Upload
- 4 – London, UK – Electric Brixton
- 5 – Cardiff, UK – Tramshed

Tickets are available at https://linktr.ee/panicshack.

Final Thoughts

With “Thelma & Louise,” Panic Shack prove that punk isn’t just about rebellion—it’s also about connection. This track is a rallying cry for anyone who’s found solace in their closest friends, a reminder that sometimes, the best love story is the one you share with your ride-or-die crew. So roll down the windows, crank up the volume, and let Panic Shack take you on a journey of friendship, freedom, and pure punk joy.