Pantha Du Prince
Black Noise
Rough Trade; 2010
Everyone knew this kid in college: he/she was introspective and moody, prone to long periods of isolation, not because of anti-social tendencies, but because this person needed the time alone to create, as his/her headspace was filled with so much creativity. I’m not talking about the all-black-wearing poser types who are so convinced of their own artistic merit (like the plastic-bag-watching lamewad in American Beauty) – I’m referring to the sort of reclusive nerd type with a close circle of friends who are convinced that he/she will be the next big thing. This person might be socially awkward in big groups, but he/she finds great freedom in a few intimate friends, thus allowing his/her true self to shine.
I imagine Pantha Du Prince to be like this, or at least it’s the image I receive when listening to Black Noise. This eleven-track offering hums, sways, and pulses with sort of downtempo, dubstep-lite that barely brushes accessibility due to the inclusion of some trippy, chilled-out white funk. The influences of DJ/producers like Zomby and Kode 9 can be heard throughout, along with solid hunks of Afro-Caribbean percussion and the electro-tribal aspects of Animal Collective in the underbelly.
Truly, this is a chill-inducing collection of superior mood music, but it’s much too detailed to merely exist in the background. Tight hi-hat and snare work snap over the top of inky, oozing basslines, while pristine synth lines (complete with bell, xylophone, and steel drum effects that are far from cheesy) provide a mysterious, ethereal quality that provide counterbalance to the deep low ends. You will want to turn your speakers up and let the deliciously delicate sounds of this record wash over you. Nevertheless, this music proves to be a courteous companion: it’s never pushy or annoying, but you always enjoy his/her presence and what he/she adds to the life of the group.
Like most instrumental electronic albums of this nature, it will probably take several listens to peel back the various layers surrounding the core of Pantha Du Prince’s sound. But just like getting to know that quiet kid in the back of your philosophy class who’s much cooler than he realizes, when you arrive at the core of stellar songs like “Stick To My Side” (which features guest vocals from Noah Lennox/Panda Bear), “Satellite Snyper,” and “Welt Am Draht,” you know you’ve happened upon a talented individual whose work really and truly piques your curiosity. All told, Black Noise is an astonishing record that weaves together a wide variety of current trends in world music, electronic pop, and DJ/dance culture, but does so with an remarkable level of sublime, subtle skill.