PinkPantheress’ New Album: “Fancy That”

PinkPantheress has returned with Fancy That, an album that represents a significant step forward in her evolution as an artist. Known for her ability to blend UK garage, jungle, bedroom pop, and a touch of 90s R&B into something uniquely her own, PinkPantheress refined her sound on Fancy That, delivering cleaner production and a sharper sense of self. With each release, she’s been building a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh, and this album is no different. It’s a collection of short, efficient tracks that carry the same emotionally charged intimacy that’s defined her career, except now, it feels more deliberate, more composed. The record blends hyper-online energy with a strange timelessness, pulling from early 2000s UK garage and pop-punk melancholy, all while remaining distinctly her own.

One of the first tracks to be released from Fancy That was “Tonight,” a perfect representation of the album's direction. The track starts with lush, cinematic strings that quickly give way to a thumping bassline, setting a hypnotic, uplifting tone that carries through its brief runtime. At just under three minutes, “Tonight” is a classic PinkPantheress bop, emotionally loaded yet incredibly efficient. Her delicate vocals glide effortlessly over the rhythm, teasing at romance and emotional detachment. The song's lyrics are cryptic, hinting at fleeting moments of intimacy while maintaining a cool emotional distance, a signature trait of her writing.

“Tonight” stands as a perfect entry point into Fancy That, showcasing the album’s blending of past influences with modern sensibilities. The track captures the tension between vulnerability and emotional restraint that runs through the entire album. It’s an intimate reflection on love and escapism, delivered with a sense of cool nonchalance. The single not only signals the mood of the project but also sets the tone for what’s to come.

Accompanying the release of “Tonight” is a visually striking music video, directed by Charlotte Rutherford. It’s a whimsical and chaotic blend of historical and modern aesthetics, channeling a Bridgerton-meets-Boiler Room vibe. The video features PinkPantheress and her friends hosting a lavish party in a grand manor, complete with corsets, powdered wigs, and a DJ spinning records on a phonograph. The juxtaposition of historical opulence and modern party culture feels both whimsical and strangely relatable, mirroring the song’s blend of old and new in its sound.

Each track on the album feels carefully crafted, emotionally charged, and perfectly efficient, with PinkPantheress honing her ability to evoke complex emotions in under three minutes. Fancy That is a masterclass in balance, nostalgic yet fresh, intimate yet cool, showcasing an artist who has found her stride. By the time the album ends, you’ll find yourself hitting replay, not just because it’s a quick listen, but because the feeling it leaves behind lingers, drawing you back for just a little more.

Written by Vanessa Twerefou