English singer-songwriter and producer PinkPantheress released her second mixtape, “Fancy That,” on May 8. The project features nine tracks, each highlighting PinkPantheress’ British upbringing through a sonic blend of modern hyperpop and 90’s UK garage. Although a brief 20 minute listen, “Fancy That” makes every second count with its melodious harmonies, catchy soundbites and dreamy synths.
“Girl Like Me”
“Girl Like Me” opens the album with a fast-paced and bass-driven rhythm. The use of audio looping and soundbite layering creates an energetic and contemporary soundscape to set the stage for the rest of the mixtape. PinkPantheress also samples Basement Jaxx’s “Romeo” to incorporate English electronic dance music, foreshadowing what is to appear in later tracks.
“Tonight”
As the most popular song on the album with over 19 million listens, “Tonight” captures PinkPantheress’ essence as a singer, featuring her signature bouncy electronic beats. The flirty lyrics are characteristic of PinkPantheress’ music, paired with her suave vocal delivery, creating a modern hyperpop track with an indie twist. At two minutes and 56 seconds, this song is the longest on the tape, with her previous mixtape averaging a track length of around 1 minute and 18 seconds.
“Nice To Know You”
“Nice To Know You” samples “Spiral,” by William Orbit and the Sugarbabes, one of PinkPantheress’ musical idols. The track tastefully combines orchestral sounds, including pianos, violins, and bass drums, with snappy synthetic percussion to create an emotional and gripping blend. PinkPanthress sings, “Wait until the end, tell me we’ll stay best friends/How could you make it feel so obvious?/Watching what you do, I’ll still respond to you,” to perfectly capture the silent yearning experienced while watching someone slip through your fingers.
“Stateside”
Arguably the best song on the mixtape, “Stateside” features a harmony of basslines and vocal layering, creating the idyllic song to coast on the I-405 freeway after dark. PinkPantheress’ whispery vocals add a dreamlike quality to the song, reminiscent of the soundtrack of a 2000s movie set in the heart of New York. Although the track relies primarily on repetition, the crisp snares and skippy rhythm keeps the listener bouncing their head to the beat. Overall, the vibrant tempo and artful use of bass instruments makes “Stateside” one of the most iconic tracks on the mixtape, if not her career.
PinkPantheress’ second mixtape, “Fancy That” offers listeners an upbeat yet emotionally provoking listening experience, suitable for both a night out in the city and crying over a messy situationship.
