We previously featured Excelsior Black for exploring identity, belonging and ambition through the lived experience of a young Black British man with his debut single, We Belong Here, so when we heard that the artist and poet, also known as Kieron Blake, was back with Pannenhuis, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
Pannenhuis opens with an intimate piano performance, as if we have just stepped into a jazz bar as Excelsior Black shares the personal lyrics, “North West London raised me on concrete and rhythm, corner shops humming with Caribbean wisdom, then I moved to North West Brussels, same compass point, a different struggle, a new kind of grey sky hanging low…”
We are captivated by the introspective depth and the emotional build of the track. The piano-led neo-soul vibes have a moody, late-night quality. There is no doubt that the song feels deeply human too – especially in the way that Kieron connects two places that are geographically familiar in name, yet worlds apart.
For context, the title is inspired by the Pannenhuis Metro station in Brussels. Kieron draws on difficult memories of the shared house, winter commutes, police stop and local friterie. These all help create a vivid picture of the artist’s life in a new city. We particularly love the line, “Every city leaves its mark upon your bones…”
Fans of SAULT, Loyle Carner, Cleo Sol, Benjamin Clementine and Michael Kiwanuka will be able to connect with the track and Keiron’s reflective approach. For sync placements, we can imagine Pannenhuis fitting into films like Rocks, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Aftersun, Moonlight, The Place Beyond the Pines and Past Lives. On television, it could definitely land a deal in Top Boy, I May Destroy You, Small Axe, We Are Lady Parts or Industry.
Needless to say, we deeply connect with Pannenhuis and have added the song to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to explore Excelsior Black‘s multidisciplinary artistry and anticipate future releases.