Robert Baxter’s latest EP PARTYANIMAL is a web of contradictions.
The seven track dance pop EP bursts with energy, and opening track BRB explodes with sassiness as Robert takes on those trying to imitate their style (BRB representing ‘Be Robert Baxter’), firmly putting them in their place.
It’s a record that’s absolutely made for the clubs and the dance floors but beyond this, the record simmers with vulnerability. We chatted with Robert recently and they shared that “I am a really honest person, I love to confront my own and other people’s feelings a lot” and you can absolutely hear this throughout PARTYANIMAL.
In many ways that’s a testament to Robert’s growing confidence as an artist. They’ve had a huge year since STARGIRL dropped and PARTYANIMAL seeks to both reinforce that they’re here to have a good time but also that there’s more to Robert Baxter than the high energy stage performances. You can be having the time of your life but still feel vulnerable. Robert shares:
“It’s the unapologetic gay, sexy, sweaty side, and then the vulnerable how I feel on the come down too”, Baxter says. “It’s the animalistic play between needs and desires — the production is all ferocious and headbanging, but the lyrics contain another side to the animal if you listen.”
Take KITTY CAT as an example. There’s the infectious chorus, and it’s a full on flirtatious tune that gives fun, loving life energy, but then there are also lines like “I pretend not to care” that just give away a little more of what’s going on underneath. There are similar undertones on both NAMELESS as it juxtaposes the idea of anonymity potentially being both lonely and liberating, and ICY (TAKE IT OFF) with its little flickers of uncertainty. Ultimately though the music is all about throwing it down on the dancefloor.
There are pure highs in there too, like the fun I <3 GIRLS – a love letter to all the women in Baxter’s life – and the euphoric SKY CITY, which really leans into the best parts of the past year for Robert. I love how the EP has both allowed Robert to solidify their pop persona yet also make space for something more allowing them to explore the highs and lows of being a PARTYANIMAL.