Prime Panda share new single ‘Orange’
Blurring the lines between neo-soul and acid jazz, the London five-piece offer up something refreshing
Prime Panda is a band that I’ve seen live several times now, and they only continue to grow in confidence and quality with each new show and release.
The London-based five-piece has etched a style out somewhere in the realm of neo-soul and acid jazz, doused in plenty of rock and even R&B undertones. The refreshing, never stagnant sound is a testament to the band’s creative production and tight use of varied instruments, as well as lead singer Tess Williams’ oozing, yet penetrating, soulful voice which always makes the jam so vibrant.
Their latest offering Orange is notable in its forays into psychedelia, taking us on a paced and immersive experience in just four minutes. The track sets off with a groovy guitar riff, slowly enhanced by pulsing drums and the interjection of a sultry, smooth melody from the saxophone. It then levels out to makes space for the stripped-down verses: just the drumbeat accentuated by minimal keys and creeping snares to enhance Williams’ silky smooth voice. From the first line where she sings “she was in love with me,” it is an inevitability you’ll be hooked.
The simplicity of the verses builds up the crescendo of the chorus, which comes in the form of a joyous and almost pained rapture of clashing sounds and colours.
Though this is something of an evolution in Prime Panda’s sound, it perfectly encapsulates the line they tread between smoother notes and chaotic, multi-instrumental jams.
I have been enamoured by the pure funk and trippiness of this sound since I heard it. This single brings with it a newfound maturity and harmony without Prime Panda losing their original edge. The only thing preferable to listening to this on a trusty old hi-fi would be hearing it in the flesh, swaying slightly sweatily under neon lights in a darkened, packed-out room. Soon, I hope!
