ST. VINCENT

St. Vincent | Credit: Renata Raksha

Take a look at one of the most unconventional pop musicians on the music scene. When I heard St.Vincent for the first time, I could not ignore the clever, eccentric, and thought provoking lyrics. Her high pitched vocals intertwine with bold and abrupt guitar riffs throughout the music. The guitar verses are choppy and rivet all over the track. It starts off slow, and then picks up with a variety of noise then unexpectedly creating a sublimely theatrical experience.

Prior to St. Vincent, Annie Clark sang and played guitar in the psychedelic group Polyphonic Spree. It was not until she started touring as part of Sufjan Stevens’ band that she would focus on  a career as a solo artist. Clark would finally unveil the genius boiling beneath the surface better known as her alter ego St.Vincent.

Marry Me was the first album that showcased St.Vincent’s piano skills. Through these tracks Clark expressed the many wonders of a poetic mind. St. Vincent also released Love The Giant in 2012 that featured a collaboration with Talking Head’s David Byrne. With the creativity of both imaginations bouncing off one another, it’s no wonder they produced an album that quenches a thirst for innovation. Did I mention there are horns? Lots of horns.

In an interview with French streaming music site Qobuz, St. Vincent explains that,”The hardest thing for any musician to do is to play like yourself and sound like yourself, and I think I do that on this record, so I decided to self title it.” This is by far St.Vincent’s most transformative collection of music. Songs Rattlesnake and Digital Witness are upbeat and chaotic tracks that exemplify St.Vincent’s experimental talents fully. Clark also slows the tone down dramatically with songs Prince Johnny and I Prefer your Love. There is a fresh level of confidence which St.Vincent radiates on this album, and her creativity as an independent artist doesn’t fall short of brilliant.

Feel all the innovative talent pouring out of St.Vincent when she performs on October 6 at the Fillmore in Miami. Show starts at 8pm with folk singer Matthew E. White as the opening act.

~ Brittany Curtis