billy woods, Mei Semones, Clarion among guests on new Panchiko album

Emerging from Nottingham’s indie rock scene, Panchiko prepares to release their much-anticipated third studio album, Chimera, on 9 April 2027 through Nettwerk Records. Marking a transformative chapter for the band, Chimera invites an impressive array of collaborators spanning various genres, underscoring the group’s evolving sound and artistic ambitions.

The announcement comes amid a sold-out UK and Ireland tour, where original members Andy Wright and Owain Davies share the stage with newer additions Robert Harris, Shaun Ferreday, and Jon Nellen. This lineup reflects both continuity and growth since the band’s 1990s inception and their remarkable resurgence following the rediscovery of their debut album, D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L, which gained unexpected cult status after resurfacing in a charity shop and circulating online.

Chimera’s sonic palette is broad, weaving together elements from hip-hop, shoegaze, and mainstream pop. Highlighting this fusion is the album opener featuring New York-based rapper Billy Woods and garage-pop artist Cotillon, setting a compelling tone for the record’s diverse collaborations.

Among the standout partnerships is the lead single “One Car Hits Another,” which features the genre-defying bossa and indie jazz-pop artist Mei Semones. Semones contributes her distinctive style to three tracks in total, enhancing the album’s textured aesthetic. The title track, “Chimera,” includes vocals from Nettwerk signee Abby Sage alongside emerging talent CJ’s Mirra Maze, signaling Panchiko’s interest in blending established and fresh voices.

Further enriching the album’s soundscape, Clarion appears on multiple tracks, including “Overwrite” and “Giorgia,” while additional contributors such as Lula Nova, Korea Girl, and Hugh Pascall add their unique influences. This extensive network of collaborators reflects Panchiko’s commitment to exploring new creative territories and expanding their musical narrative.

The band’s creative process for Chimera took place in their own studio, allowing them to cultivate an intimate and experimental environment. This autonomy facilitated the integration of diverse styles and the crafting of complex compositions that challenge genre boundaries.

Ahead of the album release, Panchiko has engaged fans through exclusive events, including a one-day merchandise pop-up in London’s Hackney Road scheduled for 25 October. This event, in partnership with JERKS and WASTE, offers limited-edition merchandise and free flexi vinyl copies of the single “One Car Hits Another,” fostering a tangible connection with their audience.

Panchiko’s trajectory from obscurity to renewed acclaim exemplifies the unpredictable journeys within the indie music landscape. With Chimera, the band not only honors their roots but also boldly embraces collaboration and stylistic diversity, setting the stage for their continued evolution in the years ahead.