Review
'Ginkgo' finds British indie rockers Panchiko making strategic moves across the musical chessboard, crafting 13 tracks that brilliantly capture both ethereal dreaminess and raw emotion. Released on April 4, 2025, this sophomore effort spans 39 minutes of neo-psychedelic exploration and art-rock innovation, with the title track and 'Honeycomb' serving as particularly strong opening gambits. The band's production approach shows remarkable development, blending analog warmth with studio precision across sessions in Nottingham and Brooklyn, creating a sonic experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The album's collaborative spirit shines through on 'Shandy In The Graveyard,' featuring rapper billy woods, while 'Shelled and Cooked' demonstrates their ability to create impact through minimalist arrangements. Lyrically, Panchiko contemplates themes of reflection and renewal throughout 'Ginkgo,' mirroring their own interesting endgame in the indie music scene after gaining cult status. The band has clearly developed their positional understanding, maintaining their distinctive voice while advancing their sonic vocabulary. Like a well-executed queen sacrifice, their artistic choices may seem unconventional at first but reveal themselves as brilliant strategies for creating something truly distinctive. - Zach
