People People People People!
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
Listen to People People People People!
A New Orleans outfit spearheaded by Sam Gelband, who cites his music as ‘songs for enjoyment and medium dancing’, the 9 songs here are full of breezy songwriting that’s never short on melodies and rarely sits in one genre for very long.
The title track opens the listen with much warmth, where Matt Bell’s steel guitar and Howe Pearson’s skilled drumming complement the soulful version of folk rock, and “Mars Is Alright” follows with a playful jangle that welcomes Dave Hammer’s electric guitar and Gina Leslie’s strategic bass in the very thoughtful climate.
Close to the middle, “Pictures Of Us” is an intimate and dreamy display that takes help from Camille Weatherford and Casey Jane Reece-Kaigle’s charming backing vocals, while “That’s Alright! That’s Okay! is a fuller moment that recruits Sam Doores on keys and Ross Farbe’s electric guitar that carries a bit of rootsy qualities.
Approaching the end, “Thank You, Conan O’Brien” is a clever strummer that illustrates gratitude with much sincerity, and “Sal” finishes the listen with just Sam’s guitar and voice in the bare but impactful singer-songwriter exit.
Sam’s got a knack for heartwarming and cozy songwriting, and the songs here unfold with a smooth baritone that’s akin to talking to an old friend via a blues, folk, pop, retro and Americana tinted soundtrack.
Travels well with: Riley Downing- Start It Over; Izaak Opatz- Marichi Static