Never Let Me Go
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Switzerland native and former New York resident Sam Himself returns with a sophomore album, where a powerful and passionate version of rock unfolds with the help of all-star producer Daniel Schlett (Iggy Pop; The War On Drugs).
“Strangelove” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where a haze of dreamy rock flows with warmth and melody, and “Baby’s Eyes” follows with a swirling display of post-punk tendencies armed with a tuneful grit that allows the thumping drums to shine.
The title track lands in the middle and uses soft acoustic guitar and poetic singing in the intimate landscape, while “Mr. Rocknroll” is packed with bouncy bass strategically amid the shimmering display of gentle alt-rock nods.
Closer to the end, the nostalgic whistling in the anthemic “Heartland” carries pop influences alongside the dance floor friendly dynamics, and “You” exits the listen soft, soothing and full of a distinct atmosphere.
Samuel Koechlin, aka Sam Himself, uses indie-rock, post-punk, dance-rock and alt-rock ideas to his advantage, and with excellent records like this, it won’t be long until he’s a familiar name across the globe.
Travels well with: Close Talker- Lens; A Fragile Tomorrow- It’s Better That Way