Music Spotlight: Just! Don’t Panic keep calm on musical direction

May 18 2011 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

INDIE, rock, metal, punk and blues – it’s all going down at Crewe Live ’11.

The four-day Volume Festival (May 27-30) is about as diverse as they come which should suit Just!Don’t Panic right down to the ground.

This Crewe-based five-piece can jump genres for fun.

Bradley Hallows, Jordan Renshaw (rhythm) and Allistair Chesters (bass), Stuart Ankers (lead) and Daniel Arrowsmith (drums) truly mix it up on a journey through pop-punk, rock, indie, rap and general good tunage.

It’s a far cry from their old incarnation – pure punk outfit Insult To Injury.

“We still do have a punk vibe but we’re not your stereotype punks,” explained Hallows, 21.

“Personally I listen to stuff from Jamie T and The King Blues – they have a punk vibe going on but they’re cool and down to earth.

“They always put on a good show and that’s an inspiration to me.

“Dan’s still into his metal and Al likes his funk so we’ve thrown everything at it and found our own style.

“I’m talky rap – I don’t break out in song because I haven’t got the voice of an angel.

“The band’s coming along well. We’ve got a new EP due out soon which we recorded over Christmas.

“It’s a big time for us. We’re all about to leave uni this month and we’ve lined up a lot of gigs that take us into the summer.”

Ready for the Volume Festival with Barely Civilised on Day One in a double header at The Bank, J!DP are also set for their first headliner at The Box on Friday.

“We’re buzzing about it,” continued Hallows.

“It’s good to be back at The Box because it’s been some time and it’s still my favourite venue to play.

“There is such a good vibe down there.

“We’re Crewe born and bred and it’s great to see so many people you know and socialise.

“That’s why we do this really, we just want to meet new people and make some new friends along the way.

“It’s good to see Crewe Live come back and it’s nice to be playing a different venue.

“It’s going to be quality playing The Bank, it should be one crazy atmosphere in there.”

Just!Don’t Panic will be joined by Kill The Doctor, New Romantics and Fools Paradise at The Box this Friday.

Doors open at 8pm with admission £5.