From its outset, Heaven knows reveals her intention to surpass the mould of internet sensation and firmly position herself alongside the frontrunners of mainstream pop. An evolution is also recognisable in the darker themes visited by PinkPantheress compared to those of earlier works. Where the adolescent concerns of returning to her hometown served as the gravest stimuli of previous EP, to hell with it, a bleaker preoccupation with mortality and its relation to romance unveils itself from track one of this record, ‘Another Life’.
Across the 13-song search for meaning, the playful bedroom-pop instrumentals that first charmed listeners are not excluded by any means. Notably, ‘The aisle’ and ‘Blue’ provide vital bounces amongst the gloomier tales of uncertainty encountered. Once again, PinkPantheress’ ability to produce a refreshing, original sound through interpolation of numerous artists is also demonstrated on tracks such as ‘True Romance’: a fangirl’s obsessive ode to a famous popstar with a chorus that echoes McFly’s ‘Five Colours in Her Hair’ is quite literally genius.
PinkPantheress shows off further flair as a curator of guest spots. The addition of Kelela and Rema on their respective tracks is readily welcomed, as is the presence of Ice Spice within ‘Boy’s a liar Pt. 2’ (which requires no further comment, I am aware you’ve heard it). And whilst the internet debates the need for Central Cee’s input on latest single, ‘Nice to meet you’, I am firmly contending that their collaboration provides all the groove reminiscent of an early 2000s house anthem. It’s still on repeat for me.
In listening, it becomes evident that PinkPantheress has already established a respectable individuality amongst her peers. “I realise that I’m peakin’ too early”, the singer admits in the chorus of ‘Feelings’. Yet, if the songwriter continues refining her discography as this debut promises, I would assume she need not worry too much.