Power Ballads
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The debut album from Sam Himself, the Brooklyn based indie-rocker brings his impressive and rich baritone to a handful of cautious and mesmerizing tunes on this aptly titled record.
“Brando” leads the listen with a slow burning climate of mysterious haze, as Sam’s deep vocals guide the curious opener, and “La Paz” follows with more emphasis on drumming alongside the soft, expressive singing.
Later on, “The Missing” pays close attention to mood with a warm, dreamy quality that’s quite poetic, while “Way Out” offers a very minimal but impactful peek into Sam’s graceful vision with much beauty and awe. “Men In My Family” is then a more full tune that’s quite soulful in its flowing nature, where the soft synth and airy melodies don’t disappoint.
Nearing the end, “Cry” is full of atmosphere and textured with an emotive appeal that very ‘80s oriented, and “When I Take The Stage” exits the listen with Sam’s stirring vocals alongside synthetic drumming and sublime attention to detail.
Sam found himself holed up in Switzerland, where he’s from, after embarking on a tour in Europe that coincided with the pandemic exploding, which left him unable to return to New York. Power Ballads was penned during this time, as being back home saw the memories flooding in, which certainly gives the listen a very reflective and relatable feel that’s a great starting point for the very talented artist.
Travels well with: Adna- Black Water; Still Corners- The Last Exit