Samantha
Square One (33rd Street)
By Elizabeth Rhodes
Published: June 23rd, 2005 | 10:45am
After listening to Samantha Stollenwerck's first full-length album, Square One, you may find yourself feeling invigorated, healthy, tan even. That's because this band's brand of sun-kissed pop rock is best played in one of the following two situations: while driving along a beautiful, sandy beach as the sun sets in your peripheral or while hearing the band live as you jump around in a crowd of life-loving Northern Californians.
If you don't have a beach or Californians, imagine them. And you should sing along. Loudly. Singer-songwriter Samantha refers to her oh-so-catchy style as “Cali Soul.” It’s a rootsy, deep-grooving sound that may not start a revolution but will definitely make you feel good, wherever you listen to it.
Samantha's powerful vocals sound like Joss Stone with more Americana rock influence, Sheryl Crow with more integrity, Janis Joplin with fewer drugs. She's sometimes noticeably under-pitch but sings with the empowering, full-bodied voice and conviction characteristic of all great soul frontwomen. Although Samantha and her superb band, the Ritual, claim such diverse influences as the Black Crowes, Paul Simon, and Bonnie Raitt, their style is a cohesive blend of rock, soul, and folk.
The album's ballads are strong but leave Samantha's shaky lyrics too exposed — for a former English major, her lyrics could use some work — which is a shame because the majority of the album's second half is comprised of these slower, more reflective songs. Square One is at its finest during upbeat, funky songs such as “Missed the Sunset,” “Don't Ya Know,” and the Spanish guitar-laced “Icicles,” all of which are sure to incite head-bobbing upon first listen. They feature a mix of Samantha's percussive vocals and, courtesy of the Ritual, extended keyboard breakdowns, soulful harmonica, horn embellishments, raw guitar solos, deep bass lines, and overall hardcore jamming.
Samantha and the Ritual delivers quality, feel-good “Cali Soul” without any overly sentimental sugar. Square One is such a catchy, promising starting place that their audience is sure to get bigger and bigger.
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