Less than two years after ‘Heaven Knows’, PinkPantheress returns with ‘Fancy That’, a mixtape that marks a new chapter in her career. While her previous work received both acclaim and critique for its pronounced sampling and nostalgia-driven allusions, this project signifies a clear transformation. Everything feels more intentional now: the curation, the organization, the narrative. The album reflects the emotional journey of a night out — the initial excitement, the chaos, the introspection, and the unavoidable morning-after analysis. Throughout, she remains the singular voice at the forefront. No guest appearances, just her, with samples and interpolations thoughtfully selected to enhance the atmosphere around her.
Executive produced by PinkPantheress and her long-time collaborator Aksel Arvid, the mixtape also includes a close-knit group of producers from both the UK and abroad, featuring names like phil and Jkarri from the UK, and US-based The Dare. Their contributions enrich the sound without overshadowing her unique style.
The writing and sample credits span a wide array — from Sugababes and Basement Jaxx to Just Jack and Nardo Wick. This illustrates her ability to tap into British pop history while confidently exploring various genres. There is a noticeable evolution in her use of samples. Earlier works were sometimes criticized for being overly reference-heavy; however, ‘Fancy That’ is more thoughtfully curated and purposeful.
The opening track ‘Illegal’ sets a tense tone, filled with a quiet anxiety. "Is this illegal? It feels illegal," she breathily repeats, suggesting the thrill of sneaking out as something exciting begins. Following this, ‘Girl Like Me’ takes a hook from the Romeo-era Basement Jaxx and morphs it into something nostalgic but uplifting — a blend of dancefloor joy mixed with heartbreak.
‘Tonight’, the lead single, speaks for itself. With its string-led rhythm and light tempo, it has become a TikTok sensation, buoyed by a viral dance that Pink performed in the video and with various celebrities. It captures pop culture in action. The lyrics exude her characteristic playfulness: “Wanna sex with me? Come talk to me,” she sings — cheeky, confident, and fully in command. The track strikes a balance between brash self-assurance and intimate confession.
This same playfulness carries into ‘Stars’, one of the mixtape’s most nuanced tracks. Devoted fans will recognize the full-circle moment, recalling her unreleased 2021 song ‘Attracted To You,’ which sampled Just Jack’s ‘Starz In Their Eyes’. Here, she reuses the line — “Why’d you wanna go and put stars in your eyes?” — reinventing it into a more sparkling and reflective piece. What started as a fleeting demo years ago has transformed into a standout track, co-written with Just Jack, an artist she has long admired.
The midpoint track ‘Intermission’ features a snippet of studio chatter with producer phil, leading into the jungle-inspired ‘Noises’, where a clipped hook from Nardo Wick ushers the project into more aggressive, restless territory. This energy transitions into ‘Nice To Know You’, where Pink’s airy vocals float over a sample of ‘Spiral’ — a deeper cut from Sugababes. Rather than choosing a more popular hit, she opts for something atmospheric and unconventional. This choice illustrates her taste is guided by emotion rather than fan expectation, bridging different musical eras while keeping the mixtape cohesive.
Later, ‘Stateside’ further broadens the scope. Featuring jangly guitars and polished indie-pop production from The Dare, it captures a distinctly Britpop vibe, akin to a reimagined version of Lily Allen’s ‘The Fear’, yet with a cooler detachment. There’s a smart optimism in its rhythm, though the exhilarating moment has passed and clarity begins to settle.
As we approach the final track ‘Romeo’, the aftermath becomes evident. Pink sounds more focused — not distant, just wary. “Step one / Don’t let yourself fall in love / ’Cause that is not fun / Step two…” she warns, mixing seriousness with a hint of satire. It’s reminiscent of writing rules she knows she will break eventually. “You’re my Romeo / And I just changed your name, now it’s Romeo,” she quips, effortlessly moving between sincerity and humor in a single line. It’s both amusing and painfully honest — portraying delusion and detachment simultaneously. There’s no dramatic conclusion, just emotional clarity conveyed in her own words.
‘Fancy That’ showcases PinkPantheress in complete control. The samples are cleaner, more intentional — utilized to narrate rather than simply reference. With influences ranging from Sugababes and Basement Jaxx to Just Jack and Nardo Wick, her selections are varied yet carefully chosen. The full-circle moment in ‘Stars’ is one of the mixtape’s most impactful reimaginations, clearly illustrating her growth.
The sounds of the UK permeate every track
With ‘Never/Know,’ Luke Pritchard revisits the core of The Kooks’ sound, merging genuine analog warmth, emotional honesty, and soulful spontaneity. He draws upon themes of fatherhood, personal loss, and a longing to reconnect with the essence that initiated the band’s journey two decades ago.
Croeso! Wreial yma i drafod cylchlythyr misol CLASH am y cerddoriaeth newydd yn Gymraeg. Yma, rydym yn archwilio'r rhyddhiadau gorau gan artistiaid newydd o Gymru. Mewn un arall
CMAT has released her latest track 'Take A Sexy Picture Of Me'. Available now, this single is part of the promotional buildup to her upcoming album, 'EURO-COUNTRY', which is scheduled to be released on
If you had mentioned to me in 2017 that the drummer from Big Thief would be launching an album that experiments with future bass, African rhythms, and unconventional electronica, I would have been surprised.
Just under two years following 'Heaven Knows', PinkPantheress is back with 'Fancy That', a mixtape that marks a new chapter in her career. In contrast to her previous work,