Champaign, Ill., indie rockers Santah are clearly on the way up. Their music is mellow and soothing, engaging and gorgeous.

In anticipation of the quintet’s recent CMJ Music Marathon appearance, Paste magazine (RIP) dubbed their sound "piano-rock." 

Champaign-Urbana blog Smile Politely couldn't say enough good things about Santah's debut release, White Noise Bed, claiming,  “It's not enthusiastic indie pop. It’s not three years’ worth of songwriting stuck together and called an album. It’s not forced; it’s not hasty. It is a shockingly sophisticated album. It is, truly, impressive.” The author continues, “It feels natural, whole; it feels complete. It rolls along with all the continuity and variations that a good album needs, without any song feeling unnecessary.” High praise, indeed.

As the story goes, the five members met while attending the University of Illinois. They initially dubbed their project Santa, suggesting a love of all things Christmas. When they began to record, however, they decided to stand out from Kris Kringle, adding an “h” to the end of the name as distinction.

Whatever the moniker, there’s no denying the upbeat, inviting nature of the band’s music. Catch them up close and personal while you can; the days of bigger stages are just around the corner. | Laura Hamlett

Santah appears at Blueberry Hill on Sunday, November 21, with The Paperclips and Ocean Rivals. 7 p.m., $7, 21+.