Santigold’s pop blend carries an authenticity and desire to explore that isn’t typically associated with the genre.
With the release of her latest record, Santigold has moved further along a lane of quirky pop music that reflects the extent of her unique personality. Songs like the intro track and “Chasing Shadows” are well written, fun, and playfully experimental.
The record doesn’t necessarily push any boundaries, but I don’t think it’s meant to. Santigold comes off very comfortable across the record and her performance on every song is top shelf. If anything 99 Cents is an exercise in separating oneself from the crowd, as Santi does all she can to fill in the lines defining her lane.
Her release party was also example of that separation, choosing to perform at Jack’s 99 cent store in place of a large venue. Santi succeeded in curating an artsy environment, without the prevention that often comes on the tag. Seeing large artists engage in these kinds of intimate shows is an interesting expression, and one I hope to see artists like Santigold continue. The party goes along with the theme of the record (deeper than the title) the record, much like her performance is anti-pop in it’s purest form. Santigold is gaining momentum as this queen of left-field pop music and I’m interested to see who will follow her.
art by your homie, Arthur Banach
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