French artist Panthera lands on Zone with a trio of tracks that take you to the heart of a dance floor amongst the stars. ‘Kicks, snares, lasers’ reads the bio of Panthera and it’s a simple but effective summation of his sound. His exquisite synth craft brings raw energy to a dark nu-disco world and has landed on labels like Bordello A Parigi before now.
This fresh EP opens up with the epic nine minute adventure that is ‘Planet of Black Fear’. It’s a synth-heavy cut with crystalline chords up top, pixelated pads in the background and stark snares and kicks steadily powering it along. The outboard synths and keyboards used to craft this one lend it an authentic 80s feel but are updated with modern ideas and sensuous vocal sounds drifting throughout the arrangement.
‘The Love Machine’ is an excellent mid-tempo stomp that is lit up by introspective 80s chords. The bassline, subtle steps and crashing hits all bring a futuristic feel as this one chugs on through the cosmos.
Last of all, ‘Vengeance’ picks up the pace with more busy arps and stiff, cold-wave drums. Warmth comes from soft cosmic chords which are full of subtle joy and optimism.
This is a sublime trio of timeless synth sounds from Panthera.