If anyone over the past year can truly claim the title of ‘viral sensation,’ it’s the UK’s PinkPantheress. The alt-pop singer’s quick, energetic tracks may be programmed for the algorithm that thrust her into the cultural conversation, but it’s her undeniable talent that has made her a part of discourse. Unlike the majority of her flash in the pan contemporaries on TikTok, churning out vapid, formulaic pop or over-milking a viral trend (the new term for ‘one hit wonder’), PinkPantheress’s music doesn’t rely on a formula that can be easily replicated. Her’s is a unique and intrinsic recipe; informed by threads of the past, knitted together into the present in a way only she knows how. Pulling from the 90’s underground sounds of jungle, UKG, and drum & bass, PinkPantheress’s pop is fiercely alternative, an unapologetic statement of identity. Following up her lauded debut mixtape to hell with it was always going to be a particularly steep mountain to climb, and with the surprise release of her new EP Take me home, she makes the smart decision to take the journey in stages.
Like to hell with it, Take me home’s sonic palette is steeped in UK bass and breaks tradition. But this time, PinkPantheress evolves the approach to incorporate other stylistic influences and ideas. On the Kaytranada produced Do You Miss Me?, she flirts with afrobeat and highlife, marrying this with sunny 2000’s acoustic guitar strums and glitchy, Bollywood inspired vocal effects. The title track, which has been around in some version or the other for some time, opens with the brass heavy rush of jungle breaks, but swerves into Ah-ha style synthpop complete with cowbell rings. The EP’s crown jewel though is undoubtedly the Mura Masa assisted Boy’s A Liar. PinkPantheress’s near impeccable pop writing skills, and her affinity for snappy ear-worm hooks, are on fire here. Masa lets her burn along a glitchy, drum-machine filled soundscape that’s equal parts TLC and 2010’s R&B/ dance crossover in the vein of Keri Hilson. Together, it works to create an instantly distinctive and addictive slice of pop euphoria that will likely be infecting the internet for some time to come.
Take me home, like much of PinkPantheress’s most shiny and delectable work, is short and sweet. At just three tracks, the EP is more a reminder than a manifesto. But then, that’s really all it needs to be at this stage. Herself a consequence of the internet, PinkPantheress is an astute public persona who understands the power of visibility. Entering into one of the most important phases of her career, one which will ultimately decide if she is just another viral trend or here to stay, Take me home is a cleverly timed amuse bouche. It’s the kind that keeps her name lingering in our mouths while leaving us wanting more. Backed up by truly unique and precisely crafted pop music, she’s made sure we’re positively ravenous for the full course.
Listen to Boy’s A Liar from Take me home below.
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