A nice little gem showed up in my inbox recently. Sam Page "Breach". Sam has a nice pop sensibility woven with indie attitude.
The opening track "I Don't Want To Think About Her Anymore" opens up the album nicely with an immediate guitar hook and catchy chorus. The trend continues with "Hold On" and "Now I Know". (the latter opening with an acoustic guitar hook) "Crush/Loving You" starts as a ballad, yet switches gears into a rocker, transitioning seamlessly between the two.
The song "Pheromones" is perhaps my biggest listening frustration on the album. Witty lyrics, but the music doesn't really take off until the last quarter of the song. The first 3/4 only includes guitars/bass and a little percussion. If I weren't reviewing the album and I were just a casual listener, I would've given up and hit "next" before realizing the song picked up.
"A Little Love" picks things up again with great harmonies and another catchy chorus.
"Take It Easy" is my personal favorite of the album. Lots of attitude coupled with hooks and power chords. It's very reminiscent of the 80's alternative scene and groups like The Starjets or a more rocking Knack. If you only check out one song from this album, this would be the one. If it were me, I'd have opened the album with this track!
"Thinking About Thinking Of You" is what I would consider the most forgettable track which never seems to really go anywhere, but still, it is listenable.
Ironically, "Hello" ends the album as the last track. Another song that starts as a ballad, but morphs into a rocking number at the end. The transition doesn't morph as smoothly this time, but it's still a nice track.
Overall, a very enjoyable album that has been played over and over in my car for a couple of weeks now. Great driving music.
The positives: Great hooks, crunchy guitars, nice harmonies and often clever lyrics. Sam is a nice songwriter and he knows the limitations of his voice and doesn't over-reach.
The negatives: If I had to offer any criticism, it would be minor. I would say that the drummer could have lightened up on the use of the crash cymbals. A few songs contained far too many which compromised some of the crispness of the songs.
Click on the picture below to go to Sam's page. The digital download of his album is only 6.99 and my personal favorite "Take It Easy" is a FREE download. Check it out. Tell him Powerpopulation sent you!
When you check out Sam's music, come back to Powerpopulation and rate the album below!
