(Single from album, "Master Of My Make-Believe")
This is only a quick review, but its a special one, nonetheless...
'Don't look ahead, there's stormy weather'...
...this is the brilliant opening line of 2012's most overlooked single release. Bizarre, dubby horns, with the sustain turned right down, squeal a hypnotic pattern twice over, before an infectious, electronic sounding bass-line begins to attack convention in a stunning indie display of electronic/analog noise, topped by a change in drum-timing that sounds almost like its changing the sound of the bass, simultaneously. I can't quite tell what's what sonically, I just know that its beautiful.
And you've got to love that frantic fit of fried finger-pickin' fun that is the guitar shreds?
The production is 100%. Its a great sound, and really very clean; this perhaps removes some of the gritty, raw and indie feel it strives to have aspects of. The lyrics are successful in retaining some of this charm, however, and the great vocal track, uninterrupted by the ever-expectant onslaught of cockney-rhyming-slang and the voice of a talentless rap artist, guest starring on a record for no good reason, and defecating on the brilliance. No, this song is a great pop/indie song, with no rap to be seen. Though when you hear it, you'll know exactly what I mean (its got the kind of sound that you would normally hear Professor Green stamping all over).
The cover art is also a great aid to the lyrics. Its rebellious and angry, new and edgy. The words tell of a desperate youth, trying to escape the tyranny of adult rule. Its one great big, synthesiser punk song, with some great raw, late-70s new wave elements in there as well.
Charting (and peaking) for a single week at a wonderful #96, "Disparate Youth" is indie to the core, even if you find yourself imagining, quite easily, it getting played in a disco to some drunk students at 2 o'clock in the morning. Ok, its got beats and maybe you can breakdance to it if you try, but come on; this song is absolutely determined to be on the cover of the NME, and its writers supporting The Vaccines, or Muse in the next few years...
...if they can keep it up! Please, Santigold! More like this!
★★★★★
Versions of “Disparate Youth”
Album/Single Version - 4:46
Radio Edit - 3:41
Switch Remix - 3:56
The 2 Bears Remix - 7:42
Amateur Best Remix - 3:38