to hell with it, released this year, is a chronological (sometimes meta-) narrative with an unreliable narrator. The piece is slice-of-life and open-ended as a contribution to an ongoing dialogue. Pink Pantheress defies genre with lyrical themes reminiscent of post-hardcore punk and “emo” bands of the late 90’s and 2000’s, and music sampling of dance, r&b, and pop songs of the same era. Since Pink Pantheress, a name derived from the animated Pink Panther, created in 1963, is an overt collage of nostalgia, to hell with it is a prime example of contemporary post-modern music. The songs on this album each have a unique sound (all easy to dance to) and can be appreciated individually, but they are parts to a whole.
http://www.pantheress.pink/
Pain is the exposition of the story and it begins in the morning. We are informed that we are listening to the narrative of a heartbroken stalker. The narrative continues, further establishing the theme, and continuity, in I must apologise and Last valentines.
“I’d crash my car right into a tree. I’d risk my life for a chance you’d come back to me.”
In Passion, we zoom in on the writing and proceed toward the climax of the story. The ironic and self aware light-heartedness slowly and tastefully transitions to sincerity and intimacy, naturally fluctuating to Just for me. This song is an intentionally empty, uninspired, and unoriginal love letter to an unrequited and/or toxic love; we are relating to the villain’s narrative. She is stalking and obsessing over her ex lover in a desire to take back her power - and to numb the pain of reality. A once sane person can lose grip with reality under extremely tumultuous and traumatic conditions. The music video is thematically relevant, involving a small audience of emotionally wayward and jaded youth - to convey the idea of having nobody listen or care. We have become aware that our protagonist is in a complicated and confusing relationship. The lyrical tone is nihilistic, angsty, and juxtaposed to upbeat music - masochistically, as if there is joy (and nostalgia) in experiencing pain and regret.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo_lPnBlfto just for me music video
We make it midway to July, and our protagonist is still trapped in a toxic pattern, viewing it as a burden. In Reason, land is in sight with a shift in mood and a sincere effort toward grueling self-improvement. She includes us in her process of recovery, and we witness her evaluating the reasons why she is still alive after everything - even if becoming numb is one. The track uses a sample of a siren for the chorus which I attributed to the looming presence of a global health crisis. All my friends know is upbeat and optimistic in mood - and teeming with nature themes. The song includes sampling of birds in the beginning and end, and the next song begins with sampling of waves.
“I can look at nature and feel good again.”
This song highlights the unreliability and convolutedness of the narrator’s perspective; it is about the protagonist’s relationship with her mother (support system) and her toxic lover. Pink Pantheress is impressively vulnerable in her admittance of pursuing numbness over connection. Nature can be an unhealthy escape.
Now we enter the conclusion of the story. She is burned out and exhausted by the entire experience of breaking up and processing all of her emotions. At Nineteen, Pink Pantheress is learning what nostalgia feels like - especially how the feeling intensifies over time. We learn more about her family and support network - and an astounding vocal performance cannot be overlooked. This song is melancholy and juxtaposed to the energetic mood of the final track, Break It Off. If this final track is the completion of a cycle, then we can assume that the pattern will continue. This speaks to the resilience and power of to hell with it. The conflict is left open-ended as our protagonist awaits the world’s response.
Paranormal Encounters parody: Spotify RADAR Presents: PinkPantheress https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQmwv_HHMm0
This theme was chosen because Pink Pantheress’ music is thematically nihilistic and dark. It doesn’t take itself too seriously though, and this is part of the delicate balance. The songs are catchy and concise - with to hell with it being 19 minutes in long. The piece is a self- aware, satirical, assortment of genre - similar to horror films of the 90’s and 2000’s.