Lou Panico Releases His Semi-autobiographical Solo Debut EP ‘Dunk Tank’

New Jersey devil Lou Panico is bringing his vibrant stories to life on Dunk Tank, his semi-autobiographical solo debut EP. Dunk Tank blends pop-punk and arena rock in equal measure, combining rock n’ roll riffs with earnest lyrics about life’s transitions.

Panico is determined not to take himself too seriously. There are plenty of goofy moments like the lead single “SMH’s” catchy ode to love on the beach or the rowdy main characters of “She’s On Fire” getting in trouble with the law. On “Heard a Song,” Panico’s positive attitude shines through the emo tinge.

Yet Panico leaves room on the eight-track EP to touch upon themes of gloom and loss as well. “Cadillac Jack” taps into the expansive atmosphere of rock ballads and the heartfelt call of asking someone who’s gone to come back.

The title track touches on suburban melancholy and dead-ends in the vein of Simple Plan and The Starting Line. Panico observes, “Everything dies in a brown taped box in the basement.” Before the song’s conclusion, he insists on injecting some optimism: “Don’t let the water wash your dreams away.”

Panico moves through alternative angsty sounds on “Birthday” and just as easily traverses a bluesy shuffle on “So Damn Happy.” His superpower is distilling decades of rock into earworm tales, drawing on his own rollercoaster experiences. “SMH” is a tribute to Panico’s hometown of Asbury Park and his “first-hand account of summertime on the Jersey Shore,” with his wife Natalie Farrell playing the lifeguard crush in the music video.

As a member of Socratic (Drive-Thru Records), Panico toured the world and worked with alternative mainstays, including Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. Now, he’s firmly settled on telling his stories and showing the world how to rock – with a smile.

Dunk Tank Track Listing:

1. She’s On Fire
2. Dunk Tank
3. Cadillac Jack
4. SMH
5. Heard a Song
6. So Damn Happy
7. Birthday
8. Dunk Tank (Reprise)

Lou Panico ‘Dunk Tank’ EP album artwork