Album Review| Year of Panic by Hanoi Janes

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The origin of Hanoi Janes is quite mysterious, what is known is that it is mostly the work of one unnamed man from Dresden, Germany who records exclusively on a 8-track recorder. Hanoi Janes’ debut album, Year of Panic, was released by Captured Tracks: their site containing no artist page to this date. We’re all left wondering “Where did it come from?”, and rightfully so, but here lies (on your record player) Year of Panic providing a much needed reminder of how to become enthralled in an album. Year of Panic sounds like the soundtrack to a summer day that consists of 40 oz’s in the heat, all of your closest friends, some harmless flirtation, with it all culminating at a bonfire slash super-soaker fight. Jane’s work accomplishes a unique cohesion, which is the rarest aspect of albums in todays industry of forced releases. Standout ‘Beach Kids’ is a mix of uncontrollable blasts from glockenspiels and lyrics of youthful reflection which mega-morph into a undeniable mantra of summer “Forget about love and all the things you know, keep your conscious sedated and kiss the wrong girls goodnight.” Year of Panic approaches recording with a somewhat naive optimism that rarely results in success and an even rarer understanding of the fragile nature of authenticity. Panic succeeds due to its unparalleled commitment to its area of focus (fun) and it’s stubbornness to acknowledge anything else. In a time where we subconsciously digest excessive amounts of music without ever looking back or finding satisfaction (if even for a moment) Year of Pain reminds us of how we used to fall in love with albums and the days of having the same CD on repeat until it was scratched to death. Year of Pain oozes with this nostalgia, but also encourages some memories of it’s own.