PinkPantheress' dissapointing fourth collaboration of 2022

This week, PinkPantheress completes her fourth collaboration of 2022, teaming up with Sam Gellaitry to bring us Picture in my mind.

PinkPantheress is by far one of the better musicians to gain viral success on social media platform, TikTok. A number of her songs were received with thousands of likes.

The mixes were all produced by herself, and blended a variety of genres which she herself calls "a form of D'n'B that's acceptable to listen to at home". The singer/songwriter's unique style is concentrated on short, catchy mixes, with most of the songs on her debut mixtape being just over ninety seconds long.

PinkPantheress effectively combines the bedroom pop aesthetics with the classic sounds of 90s/00s UK garage, jungle, drum and bass and hyperpop.

Given the excitement which was circulating around PinkPantheress, she signed to the record labels, Parlophone and Elecktra (owned by Warner Records).

Her debut mixtape, was released last October and peaked at Number 20 in the UK album charts. Despite her tracks going viral on TikTok, the PinkPantheress team may have been hoping for a higher finish in the charts.

Personally, I would've expected a higher chart too, as the mixtape does an breath-taking job of displaying PinkPantheress' production and songwriting skills, while creating a laid back tone which is full of groovy melodies and garage mixes.

Picture in my mind is PinkPantheress’ third single to come out of 2022, which she has involvement in.

Her rising reputation of being a talented singer/songwriter is reflected in some of her collaborations so far, with huge artists such as Willow, Lil Uzi Vert and beabadoobee.

In late February, she collaborated with Mura Masa for the cover song, bbycakes which also featured Lil Uzi Vert and Shygirl. Pinkpantheress’ UK garage inspirations shined through on this track.

Exactly two months later, she teamed up with Willow on the song Where you are.

PinkPantheress even appeared on beabadoobee's album Beatopia, on the song tinkerbell is overrated.

With all 2022 releases being collaborations so far, Pinkpantheress is showing her versatility working with other creators.

This singer/songwriter/producer's third single this year is with Sam Gellataity, who has gained substantial recognition for his dance tracks straight from Stirling, Scotland.

Picture in my mind is written, produced and performed by both PinkPantheress and Sam Gellaitry.

The track firstly reflects Gellaitry’s love of happy hardcore and rave music from the 90s, which he says himself got him into dance music. This is through the rich, full-in-sound keys which are played throughout the three minutes to drive the melodies by PinkPantheress on vocals.

Despite being a strong supporter of PinkPantheress, I struggle to find much I particularly like in the song. The chord-playing keys get old after a while, and the chorus and hook struggle to make themselves stand out against the dull feel of the entire song.

Gellaitry's input on this track is demonstrated in the overall format, with plenty of sounds which cite modern dance tracks along with the laid back vocal deliveries. However, the song does everything that PinkPantheress normally attempts to escape in her own music. Usually, she may take a song along a completely different direction we may expect, or include elevating beats and instrumentals which keep the listener excitedly awaiting PinkPantheress' next move.

'Picture in my mind' lacks this, while refusing to take risks musically. The song would rather prefer to play it safe, producing a pretty standard chill dance track which fails to inspire any feelings whatsoever.

PinkPantheress’ often dark lyrics are normally an interesting juxtaposition to her bright electronic sound. She has said herself that she writes darker lyrics to “appeal to the youth”, with herself in mind too. This style continues in ‘Picture in my mind’, as the lyrics are reminiscent of a new relationship in which both parties are sceptical of one another, while having a positive, bright mix.

Unfortunately, 'Picture in my mind' is disappointing in its execution.