Barbara Panther
As with any individual that has been forced into exile, it's pretty evident from hearing this self-titled debut record, that up-and-coming artiste Barbara Panther is clearly one determined lady. A former Rwandan refugee, Panther was forced into leaving her motherland at an early age in search of new beginnings. Her family eventually settled in Belgium, but five years ago, she uprooted her life again in the hope of succeeding as a professional songwriter / performer, choosing the overtly creative and cosmopolitan Berlin as her new home. Here she began to work and evolve her art into the impeccably expressive and maintained machine it has currently become.
As a debut, this release is much more than an ambitious effort (which is probably no surprise considering her past experience) culminating in a melting pot of cross cultural perspectives, delivered through a kaleidoscope of sounds, styles and rhythms. Opening track 'Rise Up' is nothing short of a stonker. Fusing futuristic electronic twists with vocal thoughts and chants from the past, it is evident that Panther is taking a both unique and unconventional path. Vocally, throughout the album there is a definite similarity to early 90's Icelandic songstress Bjork. But with this opener, it's kind of reminiscent to M.I.A.'s global debut 'Arular'.
From here the album moves away from these more militant sounds and becomes a little easier on the ear, and if I dare I say it, transcends into a much breezier more pop music affair. There are melodic hooks aplenty and this could quickly become popular within underground circles & cliques. Really though, in layman's terms this record would be best described as 'pretty out there'. To be totally honest, to get a real view of where this potential supa-diva is coming from it would be best all round to check out the video to her first single 'Empire'. There have already been more than a few comparisons between the legendary Grace Jones, which although musically they are coming from very separate directions, it's clear to one and all that there a certain similarities within their approach to performance.
'Barbara Panther' is being released through hip Berlin based label Lamb Chop which is also the home to a variety of acts such as Nada Surf & Arcade Fire plus countless others. To top this, renowned house music maestro Matthew Herbert (Roisin Murphy, R.E.M. & Yoko Ono) has been drafted in on production duties, so if you are in search of a completely new blend, I'm more than confident that the originality and vigour shown throughout this record will be more than enough to shake up your day.