Samantha Fish, the renowned blues-rock artist hailing from Kansas City, has once again graced the music scene with her latest album, “Faster.” This highly anticipated release showcases Fish’s evolution as an artist while staying true to her blues roots. With her soulful voice, impressive guitar skills, and captivating songwriting, Samantha Fish has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary music landscape.
Samantha Fish draws inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, including traditional blues, classic rock, and even elements of Americana. Her ability to infuse these influences into her own unique sound sets her apart from her contemporaries. In recent years, Fish has embraced a more expansive musical direction, incorporating elements of soul, funk, and garage rock into her compositions. This evolution in her style has resulted in a fresh and dynamic sound that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Samantha has a strong backing group for this album. She is backed drummer Josh Fresse (Nine Inch Nails, Guns N’ Roses, The Replacements) along with bassist Diego Navaira (The Last Nadoleros). The album is produced by Martin Kierszembaum, who sat in producing Sting, Madonna, Cheryll Crow & Lady Gaga to name a few.
“Faster” is loaded with high points and Samantha’s growth in songwriting is obvious. A quick little list of what I think stands out.
“Dream Girl”: This opening track captivates from the start with its infectious groove, showcasing Fish’s sultry vocals and impressive guitar work. The song’s catchy chorus and tight instrumentation make it an instant standout.
“Love Letters”: A poignant ballad that showcases Samantha Fish’s emotive storytelling abilities. Her delicate vocals shine amidst a backdrop of melancholic guitars, creating a hauntingly beautiful experience.
“Faster”: The title track serves as an anthem of empowerment, propelled by a driving rhythm and Fish’s fierce vocals. Its infectious energy and memorable hooks make it a standout moment on the album.
“Crowd Control”: This high-energy rock-infused track exemplifies Samantha Fish’s ability to channel her raw intensity into a powerful musical expression. The song’s infectious energy and fiery guitar solos make it an exhilarating listening experience.
Low Points of “Faster”:
While “Faster” is an overall impressive album, there are a few moments where the songwriting feels slightly formulaic, resulting in a slight lack of innovation in certain tracks. However, these moments are few and far between, and do not overshadow the album’s strengths.
Besides her guitar and slide playing skills Samantha possesses a captivating voice that effortlessly transitions between sultry, smoky blues and fierce, powerful rock vocals. Her ability to convey emotion through her vocals is a testament to her immense talent.
As previously stated, Fish’s guitar skills are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Whether she’s shredding a blistering solo or delicately fingerpicking, her guitar work adds depth and dimension to her songs, showcasing her versatility as a musician.
Samantha’s songwriting shines on “Faster.” She has a knack for crafting memorable melodies and lyrics that resonate with listeners. Her ability to tell stories through her songs creates a strong emotional connection.
“Faster” is another strong addition to Samantha Fish’s discography, showcasing her growth as an artist while staying true to her bluesy roots. The album is a testament to her talent, with standout tracks like “Dream Girl,” “Love Letters,” “Faster,” and “Crowd Control” serving as prime examples of Fish’s musical prowess. While a few moments on the album feel slightly predictable, they do not diminish the overall impact of the record. Samantha Fish continues to prove herself as a formidable force in the blues-rock genre, and “Faster” further solidifies her place in the contemporary music landscape.
