On their recently released Itchy Teeth EP, Genuine Panama bring their despondent city view to the masses, having worked these tunes to their better bones before live audiences across Cheltenham, UK, whether in communal art spaces or rooftops; but generally they serve a fan base of disenfranchised youth like themselves. In gigs across the city these songs are about, the arrangements where honed to pop precision, a contrast to the mostly outsider lyrics.
“I’ve got to be sane, I’ve got to be pure / I have to behave like I was told” sings Genuine Panama frontman Mike on “No Good,” a song which feels like the breaking point of too much pressure to conform. With a sweet voice he sings seriously about the restlessness of his city. His band plays a clean funk with little grit, relishing in the genre’s ability to transcend, for this band, an austere surrounding. And Genuine Panama plays this music with aplomb. Horns blast like melodic traffic while laid back drum grooves propel the crew forward like a summer stroll. Using the freedom good funk affords to step outside themselves, the standout “Elephant Carpet” goes a step further, incorporating world rhythms to wrangle maximum groove from the percussive vocals. Here, Genuine Panama comes off like a less pompous version of The 1975, with all the vibrancy and colorful, bright guitar tones with a more endearing perspective. And Mike is deceptively poetic, hiding some haunting thoughts behind his punchy delivery which is turned lower in the mix to accentuate its percussive element. “I feel like / I feel like you’re not there at all” hits at the end of the song like a sobering truth in a heated moment. A small complaint lies in this production choice across the EP. I wish the vocals were louder. Although utilized as more of an instrument in this context, a lyrical soul deserves to be heard. Genuine Panama’s intention with Itchy Teeth EP may be to clearly to bring forward a scene that is energizing and lyrically cathartic. With more songs in the tank, this short (at only four songs) set is just a taster for the new fans as well as a keepsake. I get their aesthetic completely, and admire its uniqueness and sincerity. However, I would also like to see Genuine Panama take the next step and bring some filth to their palette, letting the music represent greater freedom from their cultural trappings.
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