PinkPantheress Returns with Infectious Mixtape Fancy That
By Mark Savage, Music Correspondent
In a surprise move, British singer-songwriter PinkPantheress has unveiled her highly anticipated mixtape, Fancy That, after a period of downtime to focus on her health. The 23-year-old musician had cancelled all her remaining tour dates, including support slots with Coldplay and Olivia Rodrigo, last August, citing a need to "penetrate through" a creative wall.
According to a statement released at the time, PinkPantheress had reached a point of exhaustion, but it appears she has used this time to recharge and refocus her creative energy. The resulting mixtape, Fancy That, is a testament to her innovative approach to alt-pop, blending infectious beats with seductive melodies.
Speaking to Mixmag, PinkPantheress revealed that her musical influences had played a significant role in shaping the sound of Fancy That. "I’ve been listening to Fatboy Slim and Groove Armada, and that’s really inspired the size of the music," she explained. The mixtape’s sound is characterised by its eclecticism, with nods to classic 2000s dance hits and a dash of British pop heritage.
One of the standout features of Fancy That is its use of samples from iconic dance bands. Notably, Basement Jaxx get writing credits on four of the nine tracks, with PinkPantheress incorporating elements of their hits, such as Romeo and Good Luck, into her own music. This is not the only nod to her musical influences, as she also chops in samples of the music she was raised on, from Sugababes to Underworld.
In a recent Reddit thread, PinkPantheress described Fancy That as representing a "more fun" side to her personality, contrasting with the introspective, "emo asf" lyrics of her debut album Heaven Knows. This new direction is evident in tracks like Tonight and Illegal, which showcase a more party-centric, club-focused sound. Stateside, meanwhile, documents a transatlantic love affair with infectious glee.
The mixtape’s brevity – clocking in at just over 20 minutes – belies its impact. Fancy That is a rush of energy, with PinkPantheress effortlessly blending styles and genres to create something truly unique. As she noted in a statement, "oh we are soooo back #2025" – and it’s clear that she’s back with a vengeance.
The BBC understands that PinkPantheress has been teasing Fancy That since January, and it’s clear that her patience has paid off. With its mesmerizing soundscapes and unstoppable beats, this mixtape is set to propel PinkPantheress back into the spotlight. As she continues to push the boundaries of alt-pop, fans and critics alike will be eagerly anticipating her next move.
This article is based on reporting by the BBC. All rights reserved.
