Writing & Graphic by Natalia Cordero

The music genre, drums n’ bass, has been on the rise thanks to PinkPantheress and her recent explosion of popularity. You may know her from her 2021 hit single, “Break It Off,” but the PinkPantheress debut album is long overdue. Having released only a couple of singles each year for the past three years, while also leaking music on Soundcloud, fans have been desperately waiting for this time to come. Vicky Beverly Walker, better known by her stage name, PinkPantheress, is an English songwriter, producer, and singer who first gained attention by posting her songs on TikTok. She is notorious for her short, catchy songs coupled with well known samples.

After taking off on TikTok with her few singles, she released her first mixtape in 2021 titled, “to hell with it.” Mixtapes are typically shorter in length, less professionally produced, and used to gain attention. Following the buzz created from the mixtape, PinkPantheress released her first EP, “Take me home,” a year later in 2022. It wasn't until a few months after her EP, when she released “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” featuring Ice Spice, that her popularity began to increase dramatically. The song went viral and even reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Because of this influx of traction, fans knew an album was definitely on its way. 

PinkPantheress’s first ever studio album, “Heaven knows,” was finally released on November 10, 2023. Composed of 13 songs with four features, the album is 35 minutes of absolute harmony. PinkPantheress’s growth is portrayed through this album with such different and more sophisticated sounds being represented. Unlike her other music, “Heaven knows” is longer and more thorough. This album explores beyond the genre of drums n’ bass, incorporating strong guitar riffs, heavy synthesizers, and even some gothic key undertones. PinkPantheress is no stranger to melancholy music and this is upheld in “Heaven knows.” 

The album kicks off with “Another life” featuring Nigerian afrobeats rapper, Rema. The strong, eerie organ opening smoothly transitions to the fast paced drums n’ bass. Rema’s verse is very different from his usual Afrobeats sound, giving the song a well rounded composition. “Nice to meet you” featuring Central Cee is the most popular song from the album. The beginning fade in of the synthesizer captures your attention immediately, along with the deep bass that sends vibration up your spine. Central Cee’s verse gives a drastic change of speed. The British drill vibe of his flow mixed with the light beat is a great mashup. Another one of her most popular songs from the album,“Capable of love”, brings the sounds of electric guitars that ring as the fast-paced drums n’ bass begin. These two sounds combine with the melodied synthesizer that picks up the tempo of the song. 

It’s clear that PinkPantheress has stepped up her game. She continues to promote her music through TikTok as her platform is expanding. She introduced different sounds and mixes in her productions and songs, allowing her to grow as a producer. PinkPantheress continues to flourish thanks to her beautiful music combined with her depressing lyrics. 

“Overall, I wanted to make everyone feel a bit depleted and sad. That’s why I’m so glad it’s coming out during winter and close to Halloween,” she explains in an interview with the Guardian. Her light and airy voice paired with the fast paced track completely enthralls the listener, making it hard to stay still. At just 22 years old, she has millions of fans while touring the United States, Europe, and Oceania. PinkPantheress and her charm are sure to be amplified across the globe. 

Natalia’s Top 3:

Feelings

Feel complete

Blue