On “House of Cards,” Karima Santi gives listeners a peek at her hand, introducing the thematic atmosphere of the soulful singer’s upcoming EP. With Royale, the singer-songwriter crafts a fully fleshed cinematic universe through smooth dream-pop melodies and theatrical live performances.
“I imagined Royale as a soundtrack for a movie that doesn’t exist yet. Each song ties into a story set in this romantic, high-stakes Casino Royale-themed world,” Santi writes to the Chronicle. “At my upcoming shows this fall, fans can come live inside the story; they can play cards, dress up for the theme, and immerse themselves in the live music and ‘movie’ experience.”
Ever entrancing, Santi practically whispers her way through the opening of “House of Cards,” before building into a warmly psychedelic burst of a chorus. Swelling synths and glowing guitar rhythms envelop listeners in the song’s atmospheric swirl of fragile romance.
The Nigerian-American musician has been playing her sweetly sensuous songs from her Austin homebase for several years now, releasing her debut EP Queen of Regret in 2024. Her work intertwines R&B grooves and pop songwriter reminiscence under the skillful tones of her rich voice.
“House of Cards” pairs Santi’s hypnotic melodies with jazz guitarist Ibra Martinez’s delicate playing and dreamlike production. The two met when Santi hired the Texas State-trained musician to accompany her for a gig. They struck up a creative partnership, recording Royale together in Santi’s home studio, with help from a Live Music Fund grant and other local talent including Austin Sisler (mixing engineer), Taylor Turner (bass), and Max Lorenzen (mastering).
“House of Cards” is out everywhere on Oct. 24.