Van Panther – The Old Country (2025)
Known for their compelling innovation and originality, Irish band Van Panther unpick the grittier areas of life while transcending genres. This is our introduction to the Limerick-based quintet, but they have been turning heads with their music for almost a decade. With powerful performances and poignant poetry, bound with moving melodies, Van Panther’s “indie-meets-post-punk-meets-alternative-pop-meets-rock” style is breath-taking. The latest addition to their discography is the single, ‘The Old Country’.
Following their 2024 single, ‘Fire Out At Sea’, Van Panther saunters (or potentially stomps) into 2025 with ‘The Old Country’. A head-whipping stylistic shift from the indie-rock tone of ‘Fire Out At Sea’, ‘The Old Country’ hits you between the eyes, gives you that gut punch, and sends you reeling. Crashing drums meet a bold bass as scorching guitars swim along the melody, leaving a vibrant red tail in its wake. Interestingly, as much as the insanity of the million miles per hour alt-rock music spins you about, there is an odd harmony in its intensity – it’s like you find yourself facing this brash sound but see the core of the madness in reflection and pondering.
The barrage of music, running with rambunctious recklessness, is not for the faint-hearted, but is still recommended for everyone. Yet, for me, ‘The Old Country’ is not merely a melody; it is the creative expression of the complex theme. Angsty, ferocious and fiery, it captures Ireland’s fractured identity. Still, somewhere beneath the rich vocals, there is an inquiring eagerness to step back, take a listen, and learn from the music.
“’The Old Country’ confronts themes of emigration, national identity, and cultural representation through the lens of modern Irish disillusionment… a reflection on Ireland’s fractured identity – a country remembered for its beauty and unity, yet shaped by violence, disillusionment and upheaval.” – Van Panther on ‘The Old Country’
In addition to the single, Van Panther released an official music video for ‘The Old Country’. You can view it below and/or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects and rapid image transitions that can trigger migraines and/or seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Van Panther on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Bandcamp and Spotify.
Listen to more alternative rock music on The Other Side Reviews Alternative Rock playlist:
