Pantheress floats onto the track with the opening line, “I walk through the sunshine, you know I'm ready.” On this version, we hit the hook much quicker, and within the first couple of seconds, it is confirmed that this collaboration was always meant to happen. Aiming for a more modern approach, ‘Still Sincere’ offers a slightly shorter, but tighter production. This isn’t to say Cole disregarded the beloved predecessor; we still have the all-important two-step swing encouraging us to shuffle along. The piano runs are still present, but more polished. The pace feels faster, similar to a lot of current garage, like Sammy Virji.
The blending of original vocals from Nova Casper and Jaydee with new ones from Pink Pantheress is seamless. Pantheress provides a breathier vocal to the song that glides with ease over the reworked production. However, the powerhouse vocals were what many loved so much about the original. Commendably, Cole succeeds in managing to merge the two, with this record taking us from a 5 am club scene to something more intimate.
Whilst it has been a while since ‘Sincere’, this track proves it’s still alive and well, acting as a blueprint for the modern UK garage scene. ‘Still Sincere’ showcases Pink Pantheress as a one-of-one. Her sound and style lean on earlier garage principles, whilst offering a different take with her vocals and melodies. She melds together production and storytelling and offers it to this quintessential garage bedrock. MJ Cole continues to lead the way, integrating classical music concepts and theory into garage. He is a template for the scene, and shows no motion of slowing down.
Jessica Sansoa
Image: ‘Still Sincere’ Official Single Cover
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