Album Review: Taste Me by Pankix – A Quirky Indie Rock Gem from the Czech Republic
Alright, let’s talk about Taste Me by Pankix. Released back in 2012, this self-released indie rock album is a bit of a hidden treasure. It’s got that raw, unpolished charm you don’t always find in bigger label stuff. The genres are all over the place—rock, indie pop, pop—but it mostly sticks to an indie rock vibe. And honestly, it works. Like, really well.
First off, shoutout to the track “Sečna RMX.” This one’s wild. It starts with this gritty guitar riff that just grabs your attention right away. Then the vocals kick in, kinda haunting but still catchy as hell. What makes it stick in my head? Probably how unpredictable it feels—you think it’s gonna go one way, and then BAM, there’s this weird electronic twist halfway through. Feels like they were just messing around in the studio and somehow nailed it. Love when bands take risks like that.
Another standout is “Who I Am.” This one’s more on the chill side compared to some of the other tracks. The lyrics hit different; they’re introspective without being overly sappy. There’s this line—I won’t spoil it for ya—but it made me pause and rewind because it felt so real. Plus, the melody has this understated beauty to it. Like, you could play it at a party or blast it alone in your car, and it’d fit both vibes perfectly.
The rest of the album keeps things interesting too. Tracks like “Ugly Boy” bring the energy up again, while “Časem” slows things down with its dreamy vibe. Honestly, it’s kind of impressive how Pankix managed to balance so many styles without losing their identity. They weren’t afraid to mix Czech and English lyrics either, which gives the album a unique edge. Feels authentic, ya know?
One thing worth mentioning is how DIY the whole thing feels. Self-releasing ain’t easy, especially coming out of the Czech Republic back then. But Pankix pulled it off with style. You can tell they poured their hearts into this project, even if it wasn’t perfect. And honestly, sometimes imperfections make music feel more human.
So yeah, Taste Me might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you dig indie rock with personality, give it a spin. Oh, and here’s the kicker—it’s been over a decade since this dropped, and yet it still feels fresh. Makes me wonder what Pankix is up to now. Did they disappear? Start families? Open a bakery? Somebody should check on them.
