Barbara Panther / Barbara Panther

Barbara Panther
Barbara Panther
(City Slang)
* * * *

Barbara Panther's debut album is packed full of catchy, electronic beats, with her vocal style drawing parallels with the likes of Bjork - it's a mostly enjoyable voice, although her unusual accent can be slightly jarring in places. There is a definite political element to a lot of the tracks, including the brilliant opening line of 'Voodoo'; “Every day I pray like a bitch / That the poor, will eat the rich.”

Beginning with a revolutionary call to arms in 'Rise Up', you're immediately struck by a suspicion that this is a dark and powerful record. However, that’s only half the story; a delightfully laid-back, relaxing affair about the nature of existence follows with 'Moonlight People', while the dub-step infused single 'Empire' has a bass line so dirty you’ll need a bath.

Panther's juxtaposition of dark, bassy sounds with light, almost poppy tunefulness make this record interesting and enjoyable from start to finish.