Australian electronic project
Panama spans the dance-oriented spectrum, from the funk of
Hot Chip to the indie dance-rock of
Bastille. The work of Jarrah McCleary (vocals, keys, guitar),
Panama's debut EP
It's Not Over employed an icy digital disco twist on indie rock, similar to
Penguin Prison,
RAC, and
Goldroom. A year later, on 2013's Always, McCleary unveiled a lushly produced, more confident vibe, and subtle restraint. Two subsequent singles followed the same path: 2014's "Stay Forever" incorporated big pop/rock, while 2015's "Jungle" showcased a slow-burning hip-hop beat. The warmly introspective single "Hope for Something" arrived in April 2017. ~ Neil Z. Yeung