Album Review // PinkPantheress // Fancy That
4/5 stars
PinkPantheress furthers her foothold in the modern dance-pop lane with Fancy That. In less than five years, PinkPantheress (aka Victoria Beverly Walker) has become a figure to watch in the popular music scene. Starting from humble beginnings on TikTok, the singer and producer has expanded her reach on a global scale. Said growth came ahead of her 2023 debut album Heaven Knows and its Billboard Top 10 single "Boy's a Liar Pt. 2." However, this project presents a more commercial version of Pink's style: the sounds of Y2K DIY house and drum'n'bass switched out for a more contemporary R&B approach. With Fancy That, Pantheress returns to the tune that led to her stardom while showing immense musical growth. Take the lead single "Tonight" for example – with an anthemic chorus and pulse-pounding use of sampling and interpolations, the musician produces a track perfect for the clubs. Much of the project follows a similar prerogative: creating memorable gold with as little frills as necessary. Songs like "Illegal," "Stars," and album highlight "Stateside" are primed to be the soundtrack to your next night out. Speaking of no-frills, it is crucial to discuss Fancy That's tracklist. Coming in at nine tracks (or 21 minutes), the project is concise to the point of perfection. While brief, it lacks any fat that may bog down the listening experience. Overall, Fancy That is a testament to PinkPantheress' continuing artistic growth as an artist: a lean collection of absolute hits that are ready for any social venue.
