Panda House – Panda House (Album Review)
- Konstantina Buhalis
- 4d
- 2 min read
Article contributed by Konstantina Buhalis.
Panda House, one of the local legends of Detroit, is releasing their sixth album. Formed in 2012, Panda House has been on the circuit for a while, after their 2024 EP, The Means, and their return with their latest album, a self-titled journey spanning their career to date, accompanied by a vinyl release through Third Man Records.
After almost 100 shows, local festivals, and two mini-tours, Panda House is at their best with their self-titled album, which seamlessly blends their influences of Midwest Emo, Pop-Punk, and Alternative. Panda House is currently gearing up for their first show of the new year on January 23, 2026, in Ann Arbor.
With 2026 in full swing, get ready for one of the most exciting acts to come out of the Motor City.
A Self-Titled Statement from Detroit’s Midwest Emo Standouts: Panda House
Taking Midwest emo and updating its sound puts Panda House at the forefront of the Detroit alternative scene, offering listeners a fresh perspective on a genre that has helped uplift multiple Midwest bands. Taking cues from the mid-2010s hardcore and down-tempo breakdowns from albums of that era, giving listeners a bit of nostalgia from the “Tumblr era” of popular Midwest records that were cult classics, complete with titling a song after a celebrity, Shia LaBeouf.
This self-titled album is a sonic treat, showcasing their consistency, vocal gymnastics, and lyrical abilities. The record is dynamic, with each track complementing the last, giving it a welcome cohesion.
Track Spotlight: “Overexposure”
The opening track, “Overexposure,” sets the album's tone with intensity and purpose, offering listeners a thesis for the sum of Panda House.
Striking a balance between a downtempo post-hardcore sound and Skramz influence through the screamed vocals, Overexposure proves the band’s talents and their expertise in blending genres that, to the trained ear, are a match made in heaven.
The drums push the track forward, while the mid-song breakdown peels the intensity back and creates the perfect opportunity to jump in the pit. Hardoin’s vocals pull the song together, giving it texture and personality. Overexposure is the first music video for the album, available to view on YouTube.
Final Verdict
Panda House has outdone themselves on this record, and it stands as a testament to the longevity of Midwest Emo, Post-Hardcore, and the intertwining genres that shaped the alternative scene for the last 20 years. This S/T is a standout for “elder emos” and the younger set alike.
SoundCheck Rating: 8/10
Stand Out Tracks:
Overexposure
Shia LaBeouf
Ghost
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