Barbara Panther releases her album today hear the stream in full here

The truly unique and unconventional can be hard to come by, but Berlin-based Barbara Panther is both of the above and then some. Rwandan-born Panther grew up in Brussels, Belgium, before making her home in Berlin five years ago - the product of these unconventional beginnings is an unparalleled artist who blends musical influences and crosses boundaries of musical style innovatively and effortlessly.

She releases her debut self-titled record on City Slang on May 16th 2011 and is set to make her mark as one of the most unique and enrapturing artists of the year. Her exquisite video for 'Empire' is already online and has had upwards of 10,000 views, spreading only by word of mouth thus far ' this is just the beginning.

Her debut full-length was produced by the legendary Matthew Herbert, renowned house music maestro, and producer of both Róisín Murphy's and The Invisible's debut albums, also counting artists as diverse as Björk, R.E.M. and Yoko Ono among his list of past collaborations. Together, Panther and Herbert create dark and exciting sonic landscapes, fraught with vivid imagery and fierce beats. 'Matthew had the idea of throwing real chains against an electric heater which, in 'Rise Up', conveys the feeling of living in a prison in this world.
However, the song 'O'Captain' communicates a very physical atmosphere as it gives the impression of being on the sea, literally feeling the wind on board'.

Considering her off-the-wall style and the air of mystery surrounding her, it comes as no surprise that Barbara Panther has already been compared to the likes of Grace Jones, Fever Ray and Bjork. The singer's futuristic melodies and style are implemented into a truly unique and explosive live show, seeing Panther set her vocal styling, eccentric costumes and expressive movements to visuals. In September, she played a one-off show on the City Slang stage at the Berlin Festival, accompanied by a five-strong live band of cellos, violins and trumpet, followed by an 'Electronic Beats Presents.' tour supporting Caribou.

BARBARA PANTHER
SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM
RELEASED MAY 16TH 2011
LABEL: CITY SLANG

2011 Scion FR-S Concept Sport Coupe

The New Scion unveiled the rear-wheel drive FR-S Concept sports coupe at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The Scion FR-S Concept, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with compelling style, exceptionally balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising MPG.

Inspired by the AE86, the FR-S is built around the core goal of achieving “pure balance,” which begins with the strategic placement of a flat 2.0-liter boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and shape allows the Scion FR-S’ powertrain to be mounted lower and further back towards the rear, giving the car a lower center of gravity and a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio.

The fierce exterior of the Scion FR-S Concept is a good reflection of its inner power. The intimidating proportions of the concept give it a dominant stance that bleeds performance. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a hood-line that is remarkably sleek and low, made possible by the boxer’s architecture.

The solid panel roofline is sleek, lightweight and rigid, slotted with an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top. The solid panel roofline is sleek, lightweight and rigid, slotted with an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top

The rear fascia sits low and wide, with extensive lower treatments that surround the dual exhaust exits and contribute to excellent aerodynamics. LEDs illuminate both the edgy taillights and the bold “SCION” logo.

In addition, the Scion FR-S Concept is layered in rich coats of Code Red, the appropriately named color that consists of a custom blend of candy and a developmental additive from BASF called Mearlite SSQ.