Polly Scattergood: s/t (Mute)
style: tragic indie songwriter pop
similar: Portishead, Dot Allison, Bright Eyes
[rating: ****] Scattergood was intent on having her vocals upfront in the mix for her debut album, so it's unavoidable to notice her tragic revealings of low self-esteem and heartbreakings. The young, British Scattergood therefore commands our attention. Some examples come with "Other Too Endless" and "Unforgiving Arms," both of which demonstrate serious potential. Though her voice gets a little peculiar in parts of "Poem Song," Scattergood's otherwise girlish whispery words stand strong among the piano, percussive electro beats and pillowy synth. Joy. -Kenyon