Well known in the Afro-Punk community, singer, songwriter, record producer, musician, and rapper Santigold (formerly known as Santogold) is back in a big way with her sophomore album Master of My Make-Believe. Already out in the UK, the album will be released in the US May 1st.

Santi came onto the music scene first working as an A&R representative for Epic Records and then moved on to co-write and produce singer Res’ debut album How I Do. She later became the lead singer of the Philadelphia-based punk rock band Stiffed which released two albums Sex Sells (2003) and Burned Again (2005) until she was offered a solo contract by Martin Heath of Lizard King Records.

In 2007, her initial singles “Creator” and “L.ES. Artistes” were released and received attention from the online media  Her album Santogold debuted in 2008 and was critically acclaimed. To learn about Santigold and listen to her music, visit her website, myspace, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

Master of My Make-Believe is organic and intense as it brings a fresh energy and approach with its multi-generic influences, from the reggae fused “Disparate Youth” to the electronica sounds of “Freak Like Me.” The reggae influence is heavily spread throughout the record as most of the album was recorded in Jamaica.

Drums are also featured heavily on the record. On the track “This Isn’t Our Parade” a taiko drum takes center stage and becomes the heart of the song as it booms and flows smoothly along with Santigold’s voice.

Though her style has been compared to that of M.I.A-on her last record Santogold the comparison is somewhat understandable-on this new album there’s no comparison to make, as it is completely gone. Santigold has new sound and her unique voice shines as she holds her own being the only voice on all but one of the tracks. Though Santi shares vocal duties with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Karen O. on the track “Go!,”  Santigold’s voice is front and center.

Besides featuring a remix of “Go!” and “Disparate Youth” on the deluxe CD, Santi divulges a new song entitled “Never Enough.”

The theme of Master of My Make-Believe is all about taking control of your environment, being the ruler of your own reality and Santigold masters that beautifully. Santigold has already begun to embark on another tour. Visit her website to see which city she will be heading to next to attend one of her shows and enjoy her music.

Rating: 5/5

Image Courtesy of   Santigold

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