

Poly Styrene’s passing in April 2011 came shortly after the release of Generation Indigo, her first solo album in 31 years. Her final project is a work of passionate idealism and caustic wit, an extension of the music she made with the legendary ‘70s British punk outfit X-Ray Spex. Styrene’s hell-bent vocalizing and socially conscious lyrics show a deepening maturity, though her earlier sense of outrage is present as well. Despite their often-biting content, tracks like “White Gold”, “No Rockefeller” and “Code Pink Dub” radiate a positive tone as they tackle global warming, racism and warmongering. Styrene sounds vibrantly youthful as she romps through “Virtual Boyfriend” (a send-up of social-media romance) and “Kitsch” (a sassy personal anthem) with undisguised glee. Produced by Youth (of Killing Joke fame), the album combines sleek electro-pop beats with shivery dub effects and blistering guitar firepower. The album’s broad sonic reach underscores the range of ideas and influences. A labor of love filled with defiance and compassion, Generation Indigo closes Poly Styrene’s groundbreaking career on a note of triumph.