Thrift Store Music: Panther

Monday, June 22, 2020

Panther - 14 kt. God

Name: Panther
Album: 14 kt. God
Year: 2008
Style: Indie, Alternative, Math Rock
Similar Bands: Man Man, Polyphonic Spree, Walkmen, Battles, Yacht, !!!
"One-Word" Review: Lighthearted Nuanced Kitchen Sink Lo-Fi
Based Out Of: Portland, OR
Label: Marriage Records

Cover, Liner Insert, Record

Back, Record

14 kt. God (2008)

Puerto Rican Jukebox 3:02
Her Past Are the Trees 2:25
Decisions, Decisions 2:21
On The Lam 2:25
Violence, Diamonds 2:14
These Two Trees 2:47 /
Worn Moments 2:03
Glamorous War 2:26
Take Yr Cane 2:13
Beautiful Condo 3:09
14 Kt. God 3:00
Total Sexy Church 3:59
What You Hear 2:58

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

Charles Byron Salas-Humara - Vox, Cello, Guitar, Recording (Regular Music, Sun Angle, Grapefruit, The Planet The, Escare, The Silos, Walter Salas-Humana )
Joe Faustin Kelly - Percussion, Drums, Recording (31 Knots, Pseudosix)
Molly Griffith-Blanchard - Cello (Birch Book)
Caroline Buchalter - Viola (Spooky Dance Band, Kristin Hersh, Caethua)
Christina Files - Mixing
Ben Parrish - Layout

Unknown-ness: Although I may have heard of this band, from actively going to shows in the early 00's, i have no idea what they sound like. From the record label, i know this is an indie release. From the artwork and name, it seems if it will be a little mystical, or organic in nature...perhaps a little tribal.

Album Review: Panther is basically a duo on this record, but was originally just Salas-Humara's project. Adding in permanent drummer, they create layered sounds and songs that feel bigger than the sum of their parts. But still there is a very math rock, lo fi quality about the songs, and they've layered in kitchen-sink effects to support the driving, calculated beats and melodies. "Violence, Diamonds" is by far the most accessible track, and it is a good one & their chosen single. Although he (as Panther)/they have not released anything in 11 years officially, they were set to open for a reunited Gossip in June'20.

Stand Out Track: Puerto Rican Jukebox, Violence, Diamonds

Links:

2008 Interview- Stranger

2008 Interview Washington Post