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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.
Ship Thieves – Irruption
Chunksaah Records – Release Date: 3/12/21
Next month, Ship Thieves will release their fourth album, called Irruption. The band is fronted by Hot Water Music singer/guitarist Chris Wollard and also features members of Samiam and The Enablers. Irruption is their first full-length since 2016 and represents their most focused and cohesive material yet. The record charges out of the gate with “The Embers of Enlightenment,” a streamlined and urgent rocker that finds the Ship Thieves operating at peak efficiency. Wollard’s vocals sound authoritative and the accompanying “whoa-oh-oh” backing vocals are perfectly placed. It’s a great song to open the album with and just plain kicks ass. “Ghost Town” is dissonant and somewhat moody, and features impressive bass work that really drives the song. It also offers an interesting contrast of a speedy rhythm with a more relaxed vocal pace. “Tangled Net” has a prominent rock ‘n’ roll influence, with an underlying punk rock foundation. It boasts a rousing sing-a-along in the middle section that’s easily one of the best moments on the record. “Virulent Man” also bears mentioning, as it recalls early Foo Fighters and contains an exceptional guitar solo. Irruption plays like a complete work as its songs are interwoven and tell an overall story. The production, courtesy of Ryan Williams, is spot-on and really elevates the songs as well. Hopefully the band will have an opportunity to play them in a live setting later this year, assuming it’s safe to do so, because these songs are tailor-made for a loud and rowdy club show.
Samiam
This month, Samiam released their eighth full-length, entitled Trips. It’s their third album for Hopeless Records and quite possibly their most complete and varied effort yet. We met up with singer Jason Beebout before the band’s recent show at Reggie’s to discuss some of the details of their new album. We talked about the group’s experience while recording at JingleTown Studios, the overall style of the record, the meaning behind some of its songs and more.
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