14 Kt. God marks some pretty big changes for
Panther, and not just because this is their Kill Rock Stars debut: adding drummer Joe Kelly, formerly of math rockers
31 Knots, makes a significant difference in the band's sound (as well as doubling
Panther's population). Kelly's powerful but nuanced, sometimes even jazzy, drumming pushes
Panther away from the eclectic,
Prince-worshipping indie dance-pop of the first
Panther album
Secret Lawns and closer to the dance-punk sound of bands like
!!! and
Supersystem. While the quirkiness of the band's debut is sometimes missed,
Panther's newfound focus pays off on the tight, interlocking grooves of "Decision, Decision" and "Worn Moments," and the sharp hooks of "Violence, Diamonds" and "What You Hear." There's also a more spontaneous feel to some of
14 Kt. God's jammier-sounding tracks, such as album opener "Puerto Rican Jukebox" and "Beautiful Condo." Several songs give Kelly a showcase for his percussion wizardry -- one even has what sounds like a water glass solo -- and the strings and ukulele on songs like "Her Past Are the Trees," "Total Sexy Church" and "Take Yr Lane" show that Charlie Salsa-Humara hasn't lost his flair for clever arrangements.
14 Kt. God isn't perfect -- the synth-heavy ballad "Glamorous War" feels out of place, and "On the Lam"'s faux dub is kind of annoying -- but its best moments are more unique than the
Panther sound of old. ~ Heather Phares