Panchiko presents their second album, Ginkgo, taking inspiration from Radiohead while maintaining their own unique sound and perspectives. This album is definitely one to discover and enjoy in 2025. It took four years for Panchiko’s dedicated fans to uncover the individuals behind the music, as millions of curious listeners were captivated by the band’s early creations. Upon realizing their own virality, the band reunited with original members Andy Wright (keyboardist and producer), Owain Davies (vocalist and guitarist), and Shaun Ferreday (bassist), as well as new members Robert Harris (guitarist) and John Schofield (drummer). They embarked on world tours and crafted their first album in over 20 years, 2023’s Failed At Maths. After the excitement of their comeback, a new question arose: what comes next when your dreams become reality The answer is Ginkgo, a 13-track project that showcases the band’s most introspective, cinematic, and emotive music to date. Wright describes the album as having a significantly enhanced production quality. The standout track, “Shandy in the Graveyard” featuring rapper billy woods, captures the essence of Panchiko’s youthful energy and resonates with their typical live audience. The song seamlessly transitions between trip hop and orchestral folk, creating a unique blend of soundscapes. The raw honesty that initially drew fans to their early demos remains a core aspect of their music, evident in tracks like the title song, “Ginkgo.” In this song, Davies sings, “You command the leaves to fall / The Ginkgo bends at will,” reflecting on themes of control, collaboration, and fate – concepts that resonate with the band’s journey of resurgence through a combination of luck, artistry, and unwavering determination.
