Review: Panic at the Afters - Panic Pat (Prod. By Frost)

Released October 27th 2024 - AntiSocial Services

Panic at the Afters is the inaugural solo EP from Panic Pat, with Frost on the buttons. A Nottingham heavyweight on production leaves plenty of room for the Midlands-Laced tones of Pat. A sample heavy collection of instrumentals with the unmistakable sound of Frost’s stamp on the project. A square wave shell-down was always going to be the only outcome.

The EP opens with ‘Too Many Bags’, probably the most laid-back of the 5 tracks but not one to be slept on. Haunting atmospheres give way to 808s and minimal percussion. Panic opens with lyrics where you can almost feel the comedown he’s reliving. We’ve all been there, 4 day benders always catch up with you at some point and you’ve got to pay the piper. Runny noses and anxiety strewn across the gaff. A dark, murky track that perfectly sets the tone for the record. Video available for this one by Mashworks on AntiSocial Services Youtube channel.

‘Mardi Gras’ follows in a similar vein, an East-Asian inspired instrumental allows Pat to spray at will. Promises made on his come up. Makes me very excited to see whats to come from him in the future.

‘Gas Bag’ is another mellow instrumental but it packs more of a punch than the previous 2. The swells and strings reversed and modulated to give a real sense of motion and dread. Laced with a catchy hook about certain people who’re all bark and no bite.

Fourth track - ‘Daft’ is by far my standout on the EP. A super heavy, bass driven instrumental that will rattle your brain from the first dub echo-smothered percussion hit to the last synth line. Anthemic. Video available for this one by Mashworks on AntiSocial Services Youtube channel.

The final track sees a feature from another Nottingham staple MC, Window Kid. A super playful intro clears to make way for a bouncy, stomping bassline. Another heavy hitter from Frost. The hook references Whycliffe, an R&B singer from Nottingham who was previously signed to MCA Records and had 3 singles in the UK singles chart in the 90’s. Unfortunately the star fell on hard times after being dropped from the label and can now be found singing on the street of Nottingham in order to make money.

Window enters with his signature flow, delivering humour and bars in equal measure, do not leave your moped outside Hooters, and bring shin pads.

It’s great to see new artists like Panic Pat and the rest of the AntiSocial Services crew coming through in Nottingham keeping the grime scene evolving. Getting the nod of approval from older artists in the scene. These guys are one to watch in 2025 after topping the /r/Grime 2024 polls for ‘Best Newcomer MC’ (Panic Pat), ‘Best Grime Collective/Crew/Group’ (AntiSocial Services), ‘Best Grime EP/Project/Album’ (Panic at the Afters), ‘Best Grime Producer’ (Frost) & ‘Best Grime Track’ (Vices - Avaword, Panic Pat, Shxdow & Frost).

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