With structural nods to local favorites The Head And The Heart, and some subtle Nirvana influences poking through the vocals, Pocket Panda are an exciting confluence of new and old Seattle.
There’s not much out there, but the six Pocket Panda songs I was able to find between their myspace page and iTunes provide a promising start for a new local band. First thing you notice about the band is front man Eric Herbig’s gritty vocals and they way they contrast against hooky piano riffs and co-vocalist Megan Jade’s softer harmonies. Sometimes this contrast arrives in something I would describe as Grand Hallway meets Nirvana (see "The Vampire"), but more so it comes to us in a folk-rock based package (see personal favorite "City"). It’s good music to throw down on a Sunday morning, and just as welcome on a Thursday night.
With such a small sample size currently available, it’s welcomed news that Pocket Panda are planning to release a second EP around October, followed by a northwest tour in support of the EP. You can also catch them debuting new song "My Brother The Dreamer" at the Conor Byrne Pub in Ballard tonight.
–Wes McMahon-