Panic Channel is also known as panikku channeru and Panic*ch, the two different spellings distinguishing between the two faces of the band. They call themselves a “second page nature species band.”
Panikku channeru is the dark side of the group, with dominantly heavy and loud songs accompanied by deep, screaming vocals. Panic*ch is the bright, happy and colorful side that performs most of the melodic, punky songs.
Even though Panic Channel is still an indie band, they were able to build up a huge and always growing international fan base. The reason for this popularity is primarily the music, which it is easy to get into, many of their songs likely to get stuck in your head. On the other hand, it is also the band members themselves, who are really fan-oriented, friendly and caring.
Panic Channel was founded by Meguru (ex- GARASU), Kana and Tara in November 2002. In January 2003, the line-up of the band consisted of Meguru (Vo), Kana (G), Tsubasa (G), Tara (Ba) and Yuusuke (Dr). After two months, the band decided to show their “second face” and the alter ego Panic*ch was born.
Panic Channel debuted in May of that year at Osaka Club Vijon, where they sold their first video tape Panic Channel Kyouzai Video. After that event, the band started to advance; they had one gig after another, switching between their two “faces” during the long line of events.
The band played its first one-man at Urawa Narciss on September 21, 2003. It was completely sold out. One day later, they sold their first single, Debutsen ~minna no chikai hen~, in a limited edition of 2000 copies. The CD sold out on the same day, though a second pressing was not released. Panic Channel continued to perform, usually at Meguro Rock May Kan and, toward the end of the year, released their first mini-album, Shinjisen ~Yume ni mukatte hen~.
At the beginning of 2004, the Shinjisen ~Yume ni mukatte hen~ tour was listed on Panic Channel‘s schedule. It ended on Valentine’s Day at the band’s usual venue, Meguro Rock May Kan.
On March 18th, another one-man took place, the band displaying both of its personalities. Following the show, Yuusuke left the band and Takumi, formerly of Aile, took his place as support, but became an official member on April 3rd.
A busy schedule of concerts followed and, on July 29th, Panic Channel‘s next single, Iyagasare, was released as a limited edition of 3000 copies. A month later, the band released their fifth single, Freestyle.
In September, their label, Mission Music Factory, and Undercode Productions, arranged a two-man concert between Panic Channel and Karen. The band’s took the stage together on September 23rd and 26th. Shortly after, Panic Channel release another single, Kesshousen.
At the beginning of October, the band took part in the Mad Tea Party Vol. 4 event, which was sponsored by the band D. Afterward, Panic Channel had a couple of other performances scheduled and, from December 13th to 17th, they arranged a series of performances at Meguro Rock May Kan. During the five-day event, Panic Channel performed with Iroha, Gift, HenzeL and Ruvie. The event ended with a panikku channeru vs. Panic*Ch one-man.
Sadly, after the series of concerts, Tara was taken to the hospital with ear problems. Though Panic Channel continued performing, Saburo of Gift filling in for Tara, the recording of their upcoming album was rescheduled.
Tara‘s recovery was announced in February of 2005 and his first performance after the absence took place at Nagoya’s Shinsakae MUJIKA on March 10th. Also, Panic Channel was able to record their new album, TRICK, which was released on March 26th.
However, the peace didn’t last long. Following the Undercode 3 Day Event Final on March 22nd in Osaka, Meguru announced that Tara had to go back to the hospital due to additional ear problems. During his time in the hospital, Tara announced that he would leave the band because of his ear problems, just as fans had been suspecting. The truth was, Tara no longer saw himself as a member of Panic Channel and started a new project, Betty, with Yuu (ex-Never Crazy), at the end of 2005.
After Tara‘s departure, Panic Channel held a couple more concerts before the August 28th announcement that Tsubasa and Takumi were also leaving the band. Their farewell concert took place on October 30th, leaving Meguru and Kana as the two remaining members.
In January of 2006, Meguru announced that the empty positions in the band would be filled by MAYO (G), kiri (Ba) and KYO～YA (Dr). In February and March, the band returned with a full schedule of concerts, including seven secret gigs where the boys constantly switched between their two “faces.”
On the 1st and 2nd of April, they held pre-release concerts for their new singles, Plow and Ishin, which came out on April 19th and kept themselves busy with concerts and events.
Nearly a year later, the band released a new mini-album, Invisible Line, which, like other releases, included songs by both Panic*ch and panikku channeru and was followed by a number of lives and an in-store event. They also participated in YEAR END of HOLIDAY 2007-2008 event alongside RENTRER EN SOI, Siva, as.milk and more.
With a rather relaxed release schedule, it almost another year until their next singles came out. Mother’s Expression and Father’s Expression were released on January 25, 2008. However, it was only in August that Panic Channel released their new mini-album, Ray.
On September 5th, they kicked off their the cause of the Ray tour, the final of which took place on October 28th. Currently the band is preparing for four upcoming shows in November. Though Panic Channel‘s releases are few and far between, they are worth the wait. So, while nothing has been announced regarding future releases, Panic Channel is a chameleon of a band that is worth keeping an eye on.
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