Bradley Hathaway - A Thousand Angry Panthers (ALBUM REVIEW REVIEW)

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Bradley Hathaway’s new four-song EP A Thousand Angry Panthers is an interesting listen. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the EP. I have seen Hathaway open for The Chariot some years ago while performing spoken word poetry. However, I had never listened to Hathaway’s music. I must say I found myself impressed on first listen.

The four song EP doesn’t reinvent the wheel and in many ways it is a standard issue folk album as far as the instruments are concerned. What shines through on the EP are the vocals and lyrics. This shouldn’t surprise many considering Hathaway is a well-established author and poet. Words are his bread and butter and on this release, it shows. The vocals remind me of a mix of Conor Oberst, Sufjan Stevens, with a hint of Ben Gibbard, which is not a bad combo. The comparisons may be drawn to the fact that the vocals although similar, they are strong and the lyrics are well developed (something the three mentioned artists have in common with Hathaway). I read one review that seemed to have a negative view on Hathaway’s singing and his musical ability. I’m not sure what that reviewer heard but I enjoyed the vocal performance. It has a raw energy to it that I really enjoy.

Now when I say the music hasn’t reinvented the wheel I don’t mean it is bad. It actually adds a lot to the mood of the album. The entire EP, to me, gives off a haunting but upbeat feel. It is an EP that can be listened to more than casually.

Overall, I’d say I’m impressed by the EP and not knowing what to expect I was pleasantly surprised. I’d recommend this to fans of Bright Eyes, Death Cab For Cutie, Sufjan Stevens, Kevin Devine, etc… it would sit well on a shelf with those albums.