American singer Santogold personifies the eclecticism and scope of the newer new wave trend where old school new wave sounds (catchy post-punk guitars, unorthodox vocal techniques and uptempo dance/rock drums) merge with 21st century global sounds of dub, reggae and hip hop (the intelligent kind). Consequently, she comes off sounding like New Young Pony Club meets M.I.A. meets Massive Attack and it’s truly a revelation. 

Such ambitious sonic risks could easily just sound like a mess; such a complicated mix of influences could end up sounding indecisive and incoherent.  But instead the whole album is executed beautifully. 

Santogold seems totally at home whether the deal’s the downbeat electronica of My Superman, the indie surf pop of Lights Out, the ska of You’ll Find A Way or the hypnotic tribal chanting of Unstoppable.  (The single Les Artistes that leads the album utterly rocks too.)  Even at her strangest and most surprising, she balances innovation and accessibility without flinching for a second.  One of the most striking albums I’ve heard in a long while – can’t recommend it enough!

by Armagan Acikalin