Along with the steady chorus of Internet hype accompanying her debut release, Santogold (a.k.a. Santi White) has had the spectre of M.I.A following her since the first few tracks of her album started to make the rounds late last year.
The comparisons were impossible to sidestep, and courted to a certain extent; the two musicians are friends/touring mates and share collaborators in producers Diplo and Switch. Early press coverage appeared to waste no time in playing up the association. Of course, the fact that they’re both women of color doing genre-defying music immediately lumps them in a similar category regardless of whether they sound the same or not. However, the two artists have distinctive – and separate – musical identities, which become apparent upon the first listen to Santogold, which puts to rest any superficial comparisons between the two.
Until recently, Philly native White was best known as lead singer of the punk/ska outfit Stiffed, and for some as the primary songwriter behind the sorely underrated debut album of neo-soul singer Res. White’s various influences are apparent through most of the album, demonstrating White’s vocal range and knack for writing songs with catchy hooks. Mid-tempo opener “L.E.S. Artistes” boasts a light, sing-along chorus that could make it a summer radio hit. “You’ll Find a Way” features a springy ska bassline and squeaky vocals that recall No Doubt’s early years, while the flirtatious “My Superman” takes her vocals down in a kittenish purr.
The tracks most reminiscent of M.I.A., are her weakest points. “Creator,” marked by its throbbing jungle-inspired beats, is a fun party song, but we’ve heard it before. “Shove It” wears out its welcome quickly; its glossy production style seems to weigh the repetitive song down.
The strongest of Santogold’s tracks makes the album an easy candidate for one of the most memorable indie-rock albums of 2008. It’s unashamedly pop-flavored, but peppered with a multitude of influences – dancehall, 80’s new wave, punk-rock and electronica, to just name a few – to keep it fresh, lively and surprising from beginning to end.
-Keidra Chaney
Santogold: www.myspace.com/santogold
RCRD LBL: www.rcrdlbl.com