The track encapsulates the never-ending thoughts of a fairy tale ending with that special someone. Incorporating a retro pop rock melody into a groovy bass line completes its upbeat and classic sound, while the accompaniment perfectly layers in lyrics that talk about pining over someone in a world where they are the anomaly.
“Panic In My Mind” follows the release of their holiday themed EP, “Christmas Starts When The Bers Begin,” released December 2022. The EP is the latest installment to the “ever-growing” concept of the album, expanding with new holiday tracks every year and is a meta subtitle to “The Evergrowing Xmas Album of the Itchyworms.” The previous EP explored Christmas and holiday songs set to upbeat rhythms and soulful tunes, this new single sees the members dive head-first into a nostalgic rock sound from the 50’s and 60’s. The song opens with a catchy drum beat and guitar riff guaranteed to pull their listeners in. With a name like ‘The Itchyworms’ it’s no surprise that their hooks are certified earworms that would make you itch for more. The chorus greets us with “There’s panic in my mind” and the listener is instantly transported into a set out of a 60’s dance show. With its catchy rhythms and enjoyably repetitive hook, you can almost see the band performing as flamboyantly dressed dancers galavant around the room.
The Itchyworms are probably one of the busiest and most visible acts in the Philippine rock music scene today. Their success is no surprise, as their passion for music, and highly professional work ethic is evident in their craft. Their songs have consistently topped the local music charts and breached international markets due to its fresh yet familiar sounds. The band’s popularity has brought them to stages across the Philippines, as well as Dubai and Singapore, with an eagerness to showcase their brand of Filipino music in other countries. Kicking off their U.S. tour in New York, American fans will have the opportunity to catch the group live for the first time in select market cities in California, Texas, Illinois, and Nevada.
We caught up with The Itchyworms, below. Dive in!
What can you share with readers about your latest single release “Panic in My Mind”?
It’s the first Itchyworms recording that involves our long-time friend, collaborator, and now new member Mikey Amistoso. He co-produced the song with Jazz and also played instruments and contributed backing vocals.
How does this project compare with your other projects you had in the
past?
It’s also the first recording since our guitarist Chino left for Canada. When chino left, we decided that he would still participate in the recording sessions as if he never left. And because we recorded our previous album from our own homes remotely, we figured it would work the same way, but for chino only. The rest of us could get together in the studio, while chino records in canada. Then he would send us his tracks and we’d mix it in. And i think we pulled it off nicely.
What about this project makes you most proud?
Having recorded numerous singles and albums in the past, we can say that we’ve become quite used to the recording process. Especially with the addition of Mikey, who collaborates with Jazz consistently, finishing this recording was quite a quick and smooth process. We needed a single to coincide with our US tour and even with the pressure involved, we were able to churn out something really good really quickly.
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
We were trying to achieve a more traditional and organic sound with this recording, so there was little to no synthesized instrumentation. We even restrained ourselves from digitally manipulating some “mistakes” and imperfections and just left them in.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
I’m always trying to find different styles that the band could do. Styles that we haven’t done before. That always brings excitement to the creative process.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown
– who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a
link so readers can check them out.
Jugs: Paul McCartney. And Lake Street Dive.
Jazz: Patricia Taxxon (Bandcamp only), Sting, Madonna
Chino: Collab dead or alive Dead: Burt Bacharach Alive: Martin Nievera
Kel: Amy Winehouse, D’Angelo
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
The last song i listened to was Flim by Aphex Twin. I had it on loop while taking a shower in Texas. Fave all time artists: The Beatles, Superdrag, The Police, Dada
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
You could connect with us via our social media accounts; both the itchyworms accounts and personal accounts: IG, Fb, twitter. For me personally i’m usually on IG all the time.
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before
we sign off?
Thank you for featuring this little ol’ band from the Philippine islands! We really appreciate it!
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