Despite the band's name, Panic in Detroit has nothing to do with David Bowie's glam phase, or even with Detroit. The band was formed in Houston, TX, in 2001 when drummer Ryan Chavez decided to switch over to vocals and guitar and front his own group. He linked up with fellow vocalist/guitarist Ben Murphy in a short-lived outfit called Lucky Motors, which turned into Panic in Detroit in early 2002 when drummer David Hobizal came on board. They cultivated a melodic yet surprisingly heavy brand of indie rock that won them a following in the northeast U.S. Their self-titled debut EP, issued on Virginia's Silverthree label, hit stores in February 2003, immediately charting at number 78 on the CMJ charts. Melissa Lonchambon joined the band on bass shortly after the EP's release. ~ Joseph McCombs