Polly Scattergood – Album Review
Polly Scattergod got my interest sometime ago. I’ve listened to her album quite a few times which has already hit stores across the ocean but gets the North American treatment on May 19th. Scattergood is probably geared from some major success (perhaps not critically) as she does have “the look” – as stereotypical as that sounds. However, on her debut record she provides a very ambitious record and showing off a sense of fearlessness that some artists don’t show until their 3rd record or so.
Her music is not so much “pop” but a little more down tempo in her style, she seems to take a more laid back role compared to Kate Nash let’s say. However, other then Other Too Endless – which is a great song from start to end, I have a feeling of aversion to some of her material. It’s clear she doesn’t have a clear style, in terms of writing or vocals so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what I have to say about Scattergood. She mixes it up with spoken word with some more traditional vocals. I think part of the problem is that this mix isn’t new especially with artists from the UK. It’s one way to get pigeonholed with Lily Allen and Kate Nash no matter how far from the truth that is.
Polly does a lot of things that you really look forward to in an artist. In a sense she’s very raw but it doesn’t attempt her from trying unique vocal combinations and different sort of songs with tempo and style. Ultimately pulling off 7 minute and 5 minute tracks to start off her debut is very impressive. There are some sections that I would argue that it makes it a little too long drawn out but it’s hardly boring.
I probably don’t have much to say other than she’s raw and she’s got a lot to work on. Lyrically she’s not as clever but I think it’ll come over time. I think her album is more of a product of just starting out and finding out about herself rather then being intentionally all over the place. She definitely has the talent to rise the occasion on future as well as the drive to try to be creative. The pieces are not all quite there but this album is good starting point.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Flawed but the potential makes Polly Scattergood an exciting artist to keep an eye on.
Other Too Endless by Polly Scattergood
Tags: album
