Panicsville — Take Root

Andy Ortmann and Anthony Janas are back with Panicsville's Take Root. Recorded at the end of 2019-2020, this newly released 2022 re-working has the pair revisiting their earlier work regarding ecological electronics. Originally recorded at a time when the world was in upheaval and the Earth was seemingly starting to take its ecology back (we had such high hopes), Take Root focuses on plants and their role on Earth and in society, as the title would suggest. Panicsville and Nihilist take this statement a step further, and all physical copies of the release come with a package of seeds for one to help "take root" and do their part to preserve and spread the horticultural goodness.

Take Root is a short release, with three tracks coming in just under twenty minutes. The bookending tracks are linked, being two parts to "Swinging' Syphilis," and the middle being "Syphilis for a Spider Plant." This is mentioned as the structure of the release has these two parts feeling a bit more similar than the middle, and adding an interesting layout to the playthrough. The two "Swingin' Syphilis" pieces lean more toward the experimental electronic side, with the first part following a somewhat minimal, more ambient direction. Synths come in to add a warbling weirdness that adds nice depth to the track, as well as bringing the last third up to somewhat cinematic highs. This adds a nice set up into the filling of the release, "Syphilis for a Spider Plant." Playing like a more traditional song, "Spider Plant" feels like a cross between a lullaby and video game music. This is a warm, dreamlike song, and breaks up the two "Swingin' Syphilis" pieces nicely. Closing out Take Root is the David Attenborough-esque "Swingin' Syphilis II." Synthy drones and interesting modular tones make the backdrop for the nature documentary overlay about venus fly traps. A bit more cohesive and flowing than the first part, the final track on Take Root brings together the vibes created on the prior tracks and ends the album on a very strong note.

Panicsville is great at bringing about a sort of weirdo aesthetic to their electronics, but doing so in their own endearing way. Not overly bizarre and abrasive, Take Root is no exception, and the connection with Earth and ecology adds a loving, caring, and empathetic touch to a growing concern. While I am unfamiliar with the original 2020 version, this re-release of Take Root is a quick and fun listen that has many interesting moments that will warrant back-to-back replays.