In a world where self-love can be both a radical political act and an interior personal journey, Parlour Panther’s Bloom dives deep into the heart of queer experience and self-acceptance with a refreshing blend of honesty, vulnerability and groove.
Led by trans non-binary couple Frankie and Reidar, the Vancouver-based four-piece have been crafting their sound since 2014. Their latest offering invites you to explore yourself through melodic reflections and infectious beats, pulling sonic inspiration from the likes of the Killers and the glitzier side of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Bloom boasts a vibrant mix of blues-inflected vocals, playful synths and an energetic low-end that’ll have you moving your hips and shoulders in the midst of your soul-searching.
Tracks like "OMG" and "All I Need" pack a punch with their fuzzy riffs, adding a welcome edge to Parlour Panther's typically soft sound. Meanwhile, songs like "Mountain" and "Fever Dream" offer a refreshing change of pace, showcasing the band's versatility and willingness to explore new sonic territories.
But Bloom isn't just about catchy hooks and bubbly rhythms. It's a celebration of resilience and growth, a reminder that it's okay to stumble along the way as long as we keep moving forward. On songs like "Imperfect" and "Chosen Fam," Parlour Panther champion accountability and the power of chosen family within the queer community. Bloom acknowledges that we will fail along the way, calling on us to lean on ourselves and our loved ones.
And of course, there's "Thrivin’," the lyrics of which — “I love every part of me / It took time to get here / I work at it every day / and now I’m thrivin’” — deliver a powerful message of empowerment and resilience. On “Imperfect,” they write, “If we own our mistakes maybe we can learn something / Gotta give it everything we got before we let it go,” and “We don’t always have to know / We don’t always have to do it right,” encouraging accountability and softness.
Like flowers, it's only through love, care and an environment that supports us that we blossom. Bloom invites us to sink into it with a sigh and turn inward, a welcome message during a time when 2SLGBTQIA+ folks are facing mounting adversity in the struggle for equity. While we weather the storm, Bloom is a reminder to be steadfast.
