Album cover for 'More Fun' by Panther and the Zoo. Photo / Supplied
Album cover for 'More Fun' by Panther and the Zoo. Photo / Supplied
There are three things that make the very appropriately titled More Fun one of the most enjoyable indie pop releases I've heard this year: wry, perceptive lyrics with a hint of black humour, a touch of irony and a disarming confessional attitude; effortless vocal harmonies and a vulnerable yet confidentmelodic delivery from songwriter and singer Graham Panther (yes, it's his real name); and a truly celebratory sense of fun in the music.
They don't take it too seriously but the nine tracks (highlights include Wake Up, Friends Without Benefits, and Do Whatever) are hook-laden, rhythmically propelling and structurally interesting - yet it all sounds deceptively easy.
Think of songs in the spirit of Weezer and Elvis Costello with a touch of The Strokes, though with a relaxed and youthful Kiwi attitude.
