New York’s dreamgaze quintet, Panik Flower, returns with their latest single, “Alkaline“, the first glimpse into their forthcoming EP, Rearview, set to release on April 30, 2025.
The single balances the lush atmospherics of dream pop with the raw edge of shoegaze and post-punk undertones.
“We spent a lot of time perfecting the wall of sound at the beginning of this track,” vocalist Sage Leopold shared, describing the layers of fuzz and warmth in the song’s opening. This intensity quickly dissolves into a sparse, pared-back section before launching into a driving, yearning chorus. According to Leopold, the song embodies “push-pull dualism,” a thematic thread running throughout the new EP.
The haunting mood of “Alkaline” stems from a long creative process, as guitarist and vocalist Mila Stieglitz-Courtney recalled: “Jordan brought this to us a long time ago, and I remember being incredibly persistent about having to flesh it out.” The track’s moody chords, coupled with its shifting dynamics, encapsulate the EP’s focus on self-exploration and identity, diving into the duality of uncertainty and self-acceptance.
Formed in 2022, Panik Flower has carved out a distinct space in the NYC music scene. The band consists of Sage Leopold (vocals), Mila Stieglitz-Courtney (guitar/vocals), Jordan Buzzell (guitar), Max Baird (bass), and Marco Starger (drums). Their sound — a mix of atmospheric dream-pop harmonies and sharp, deliberate instrumentals — reflects the constant push and pull of New York City itself.
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The band’s debut EP, Dark Blue, primarily explored the intricacies of relationships. In contrast, Rearview delves inward, with themes that speak to self-reflection, growth, and the tension between personal evolution and remaining true to one’s core.
Produced and mixed by James Duncan (notable for work with Taraneh and Dead Tooth) and mastered by Carl Saff (Drops Nineteens, Sonic Youth), the EP promises a polished yet raw auditory journey.
Fans can catch Panik Flower’s immersive live energy at New Colossus Fest in March 2025. Before that, the band will celebrate the release of “Alkaline” on January 17 at T.J. Byrnes in New York, joined by DJs Lip Critic and Scary Bradshaw. The event marks an opportunity to experience the band’s dynamic interplay in an intimate setting.
The sonic layers of “Alkaline” reflect Panik Flower’s ability to blend different styles and moods. Leopold’s vocals, shifting between powerful lows and airy highs, channel influences reminiscent of Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries, offering a performance that’s both vulnerable and commanding. Beneath this, the instrumentation builds and releases tension in a way that pulls listeners into the track’s emotional core.
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