Archives:
Samiam – Stowaway
Pure Noise Records – Release Date: 3/31/23
In late March, Samiam released their first album in 12 years and first for Pure Noise Records, called Stowaway. Despite not issuing any new music for over a decade, they’ve returned sounding as though they never missed a beat. Stowaway retains the band’s signature sound, while adding contemporary touches and previously untapped influences. The end result is easily one of the most listenable albums that they’ve ever made.
“Crystallized,” the record’s second entry, is intricately built, but executed in a seemingly effortless manner. It also features a unique, descending riff that really fuels the entire song. “Lights Out Little Hustler” highlights the distinctive vocals of singer Jason Beebout and its lyrics speak of isolation, a theme that’s found throughout the record. (“What makes you so hard for me to find / When you’re right by my side. I look for you every day / Always something in the way”). The song also contains an especially cool breakdown at its midpoint with undistorted guitar leads. This particular section makes the listener feel like they’re instantly transported to a beach in northern California at dusk.
“Shoulda Stayed” is catchy from the onset and likely could’ve been an alternative radio hit in the ‘90s, while “Natural Disasters” has a danceable intro riff and does an excellent job of establishing mood. Its lyrics address climate change and the ongoing destruction of our planet, which is something the band has witnessed firsthand in their home state of California. “Something” is the most straightforward punk song on the album and evokes shades of “80 West” off of Trips. Its lyrics talk about the search for a better future and the song closes with a flood of guitar leads that hit from every direction.
Stowaway is every bit as solid as recent Samiam classics like Astray and Trips, and might even be slightly more consistent from start to finish. They’ve managed to preserve the characteristics they’re best known for, but also seamlessly inject new styles into their songwriting. The resulting record is one that’s loaded with catchy riffs and soaring choruses, with the band sounding as vital as ever.
Strike Anywhere – Nightmares of the West
Pure Noise Records – Release Date: 7/17/20
Last month, Strike Anywhere released an EP called Nightmares of the West. It represents their first new music since 2009 and not only picks up right where they left off, but also sounds as urgent as ever. The first song, “Documentary,” is a great example of the band’s classic, melodic hardcore sound. Its chorus is led by singer Thomas Barnett and its lyrics act as a rallying cry, (“We deserve to fight for everyone / For all that we’ve lost, for all that we are”). The next entry, “Dress the Wounds,” is aggressive and fast-paced, and its precision tempo stops and starts on a dime. “The Bells” is the most melodic song on the EP and features catchy guitar leads that are interwoven with the vocal melodies. Its lyrics talk of revolution and really couldn’t be more relevant, (“No one forgets / No one remembers at all / Till monuments fall”). “Imperium of Waste” opens with a riff that complements the lead vocals and slowly builds in intensity. The rest of the band comes crashing in after a couple measures and sounds nothing short of supercharged. The virtual wall of vocals in the chorus is both powerful and inspiring, resulting in what is likely the record’s most memorable moment. Nightmares of the West takes what Strike Anywhere does best and adds subtle contemporary influences. It also manages to capture the immense energy of their live shows, which is no easy feat. Hopefully the wait won’t be too long before they’re back with a new full-length.
Less Than Jake – Sound the Alarm
Pure Noise Records – Release Date: 2/03/17
Making their Pure Noise Records debut, Less Than Jake recently issued a seven-song EP entitled Sound the Alarm. Recorded by singer/bassist Roger Lima at his own studio and mixed by Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room, these songs sound exceptional and allow for the individual instruments to really shine through at the appropriate times. Additionally, this record signifies the most spirited that the band has sounded in over a decade, which is especially impressive considering they’re celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. The EP gets underway with “Call to Arms,” a track that evokes memories of fan-favorite album Borders & Boundaries and employs a bouncy chorus that’s peppered with horns and an array of backing vocals. It’s followed by “Whatever the Weather,” a mid-tempo, ska-leaning number that features prominent horn lines and a resilient message, (“It’s out of my hands, these too heavy times/No matter the weather, I’ll never waiver”). “Welcome to My Life” is a laidback ska tune with introspective lyrics that recalls their 2003 hit “The Science of Selling Yourself Short,” while “Good Sign” is a fast-paced, upbeat punk entry that talks about embracing optimism. The EP fittingly concludes with “Things Change,” a track that highlights some of their top characteristics: high-flying horn parts, the alternating vocal talents of Lima and singer/guitarist Chris DeMakes, and the sturdy rhythms of drummer Vinnie Fiorello. Sound the Alarm is recommended for those in search of a quality ska/punk fix and will likely leave fans anxiously anticipating their next full-length.
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