Panthers

The Trick

[4/5] On their fourth full-length, Brooklyn’s Panthers channel and recombine time-tested sounds, and the result is highly delicious rock. Drawing from the Jesus Lizard, the Stooges, Thin Lizzy, Black Flag and more, The Trick is a fierce record full of dirty bass, powerful leads and howling vocals. Former members of Orchid, Pitchblende and Turing Machine host this driving orgy of post-modern grime and retro strut, yielding some very warm, distinct and involving punk rock ’n’ roll. Recorded by Steve Revitte (Black Dice, Beastie Boys), The Trick covers a lot of ground, and all of it is good. This is also rock with a brain-think less Spuds McKenzie, more Rosa Luxembourg. And though some might find Panthers austere or too “cool,” facts are facts-these dudes lay it the fuck down. The Trick rocks with indisputable authority. Have good taste. Purchase and love this record. (VICE) Ronen Kauffman