Panther And The Zoo – Think About It Not Exploding (EP)
6/10

Clearly produced and pronounced, Graham Panther’s bittersweet vocals in Think About It Not Exploding derive from classic songwriters like Malcolm Middleton of Arab Strap, with the calmly plucked acoustic guitar lending another familiar edge. Familiarity is bred throughout Panther (and friends)’s debut EP, a neat package that harks back to the days of properly pretty handmade releases. While I Know Your Name grates slightly with this overly familiar feeling, Panther doesn’t push it by not exceeding the two-minute mark. The weird segues of electronic-sounding organ in Voices is distracting but also compelling, and stays very true to the live version that audiences may recognise. Panther’s simple storytelling nature is effective for getting his points across (often about relationships), which can be both good and bad. At times this appears to be made up for with exuberant production but falls a bit short, making the listen feel elementary. The title track is heavy on instrumentation and collaboration vocally, which lushes it out and adds an a capella orchestration quality, with Graham’s strong voice riding high, but this all comes to a sudden halt all too soon, leaving you hanging and with questions unanswered. Graham is a very talented singer and songwriter but the way he uses this voice and his constant swapping of minimal and over-the-top approaches leaves a puzzled feeling and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Sarah

 

Posted by Sarah Gooding under Album, Reviews