Sami James: 'Show The World' EP Review

Hello my pretties,

It’s me again, Rebel Yell, miss me? Don’t be silly of course you did! Remember how I was saying I was in demand? Well slowly but surely I am making my way through that extensive list. Unfortunately one event that I was super psyched to attend, Dovehouse’s single launch for Cheap Tricks at the Hope & Ruin last Thursday, had to missed due to England’s glorious weather screwing over our already dubious train services. What’s more, not only would the night have been incredible, but also would have served as a part two to the news I have to share today. A few months back I had the pleasure of interviewing singer-songwriter Sami James (a support act for Dovehouse’s launch) for my fellow blogger Treble With The Bass, whereby he gave us a taster regarding his debut EP: Show The World. Guess what folks?! That day is here! So strap on your seatbelts and brace yourself because you’re mind is about to get blown…again.

Back in March, Sami stated his EP revolves around the concept of “having faith in your passion and following what you love” but his most interesting comment was how he defined himself as an artist. Declaring he is “honest and pure – no filter”. However I will be the judge of that. Right. The juries seated. And there is one smoking Judge on the scene. Let’s get to it shall we?

Track One: Judge Me

Sami doesn’t waste time in grabbing the listener’s attention. Within seconds they are hooked to both an interestingly rhythmic and melodic introduction, demonstrating the important of instrumentation without the support of lyrics. He further exhibits his ability as a songwriter as he composes an arrangement that enhances rather than drowns the vocal. Although, it’s worth noting that the composition, as a whole, feels full yet without sounding complicated or clustered. Now I’m aware that I went into student musician mode right there, shudders of fear rattled down my spine! But trust me all of those are remarkable check points that most musicians I’ve listened to fail to incorporate into one song, let alone the first 20 seconds of an EP. While the instrumentation leaves space for the vocal in verses, the pre chorus drops further allowing the vocals to become vulnerable, suiting the theme of judgment perfectly. Side note: the irony of a reviewer such as myself writing about an EP whose first track is titled Judge Me did tickle my funny bone…ya know because I’m judging it…and…never mind…I have an odd sense of humour you should all know that by now! Moving swiftly on…for someone who finds it exceptionally difficult to use repetition effectively within her own songs, it is refreshing to hear the technique being used effectively. What’s more, the lyrics are simple yet potent. Not masked in misleading metaphors. What you see is what you get. And that is something I love about Sami’s work. Brutal honesty in a beautiful package. Notably there is an unexpected guitar solo mid way through the song which provided a sense of release that the listener was unaware they needed.  However my favourite element of the whole song has to be last chorus. The change in the backing vocals from being in unison to being behind not only prevents the song from being dully repetitive but provides a subtle change that makes the listener fall further in love. 

Track Two: Flowers On The Ground

Delicate and beautiful. If I could leave it at that I would, but I don’t want the song to feel like I favour the others more by spending more time with them! After all songs have feelings too…I know how insane that sounds so hush! Let’s just blame it on lack of sleep shall we? Yeah let’s stick with that. That sounds highly plausible. Especially to those who know me, ya know what I’m talking about! Okay I’ve gone off on a tangent larger than the size of a politician’s ego. Back to beloved Sami. You can’t help but fall in love with the sweet introduction, contrasting the slight rock elements of Judge Me, Flower’s On The Ground accents Sami’s folk style. Throughout the entire EP Sami includes some intoxicating lines that restore my faith in the pop industry today. For instance, “you wear my shoes, you wear them all the time. But you’ll never really understand” revolves around a tiresome cliché however Sami words it in a way that restores its initial vivacity. I have a particular love for the juxtapositions that are intricately scattered throughout. What’s more, it is the most realistic interpretation of the uncertainty of a new love through lines such as “don’t need a reason to say I miss you, I don’t want you back in case I don’t”. Defying typical pop songs whilst still appealing to a mainstream audience. Again, my favourite part of the song has to be the last chorus due to its extremely minimal arrangement with pretty much just the vocal and another delayed harmony.

Track Three: Show The World

It's THAT guy you keep seeingaround Brighton.

Now time for the track that christens the EP. Large expectations for this as Sami himself described this as being “something special”. And that’s exactly what this track is. Notably being the most obvious one revolving around the theme of following your dreams no matter what. Whilst maintaining the acoustic ambiance found in the folk genre, remaining simplistic and hopeful. Moreover, the space within the song fashions a mesmerising quality that hypnotises the listener at the crucial half waypoint of the EP. Remember those killer lines I referred to? Sami works his magic again with the evocative lyric of “like a cigarette in a spiders web” and “you’re heart holds the answers you don’t understand”. However one of the most fascinating lines is the chorus hook of “show the world how you grow old” personally I find it a intriguing way to summarise this message of follow your dreams and show them just what you’re capable of. Again this man is a master of concluding songs, particularly by ending this with just vocals, mirroring the vulnerability of the message.

Track Four: Hurt To Remember

They say first impressions are key in any situation. First impression of Hurt To Remember is that it is very Beatles-esk. I don’t know if that is a compliment or offense for Sami but I regard it to be a compliment of the highest. However, the Beatle ambiance created within the opening immediately entwines with Sami’s Noel Gallagher’s vocal techniques, giving birth to a remarkable sound. One thing about this song’s chorus is that it has sure as hell as been stuck in my head since first listen. Piece of trivia for you, this is the only song to begin with the chorus hook – the strongest part of the song - this on the one hand could be risky as the songwriter has to maintain this intensity (which Sami does well) but on the other hand it is a technique encouraged in the pop industry – hook the audience as soon as you possibly can. Again Sami marries binary opposites, while the songs content seems to be more bleak then others off the EP it still manages to appear hopeful and uplifting, which mirrors the lyrical transition in the song its self. For instance, “does it hurt to remember all the places we spent together” to “look up to the sky and recognise myself once again”.

Track Five: Runaway

Ahhh Runaway. By far my favourite track off the EP! Fell in love with this upon first listen. No surprise really as this is the ‘rebel track’. The one that doesn’t quite follow social conventions created by the other four. The one your parents don’t want to meet…okay maybe that’s a bit too far…anywayyyysssss. This song is the rockiest yet maintaining its strong folk style, however the spoken word bridge further accents Sami’s extremely diverse influences and ability to compose for different genres. What’s more, compared to his melodic vocal delivery in other songs, Runaway is far more rhythmic again making it that bit more intriguing. Furthermore, the chorus is huge. There is no other way to describe it. Fascinatingly it depends on the backing vocals to carry it, with the lead vocal interjecting here and there. It juxtaposes all that Sami has presented us with so far. Would have felt out of place if it were located anywhere else in the track list. 

Captivated audience.

Overall verdict?

Sami demonstrates his talent as a songwriter by composing intricate melodies and intelligent lyrics in a way that is simple yet endearing to digest. He marries the hard truth of folk with a pop package that makes the songs enjoyable to pretty much any audience. The folk is strong in this one…any one? Ah come on that was tastefully horrific! Give me some credit here! Fine. Be that way then. Sami states that he is pure and honest in his delivery, I can confirm that as being true, he certainly favours message over fancy representation. Listen for yourselves: https://samijames.hearnow.com

I am truly gutted that I couldn’t witness a live rendition of the EP at Dovehouse’s single launch. However I will be keeping my eye on what the future has instore for Mr James. I will be there to inject the juicy details into your hearts and minds. Giving you the greatest rush you could possibly wish for.

Until next time,

Unpleasant Dreams.

Follow Sami James below:

Facebook

SoundCloud

YouTube

Access Treble With The Bass interview here

Infected by a Spyder Byte.

Hello my pretties,

You can lay your worries to rest. I’m alive. I survived the brutal attack of university deadlines and fought off the army of assignments with minimal injuries. Primarily mentally inflicted scars, but hey I’ve never been the most sane creature. Thankfully. But I’m back (in black…oh come on you were all thinking it! And someone had to make the terribly cringe worthy remark…and that’s me all over!). There’s so much I wanted to tell you all, but due to uni I had to refrain from giving you insanely juicy details! So let me give you the short version:

·       1) Andy Black Live – no words. Unbelievable

·       2) The Great Escape – stepped up their game from last year. Unbelievable.

·       3) Slamdunk South Festival – Panic headlining! Unbelievable.

Even shorter version: unbelievable. Just the stress relief any music fanatic needs!

However today I am here to share another well-guarded secret. Not to dwell on the past. Everyone here knows my love for artists such as KISS; Mötley; Adam Ant; Poison. The endless list of Glam Rock, Sleaze Metal pioneers who aided my love for theatrics and wonderfully reckless skulduggery that accompanies it. Now everyone has specific little triggers that drive them from perfectly rational to giving a look that could send someone six feet under. One of mine being people constantly declaring that rock – specifically sleaze/glam – is dead. Gene Simmons (bassist and demon of KISS…for those less educated in this realm) being one of these blasphemers. But that’s another rant for another time. However I have living proof that this world is very much alive and thriving. Let me introduce to you Spyder Byte. Quintet hell-bent on vandalising the minds of this generation with sex, booze and rock ‘n’ roll just like their forefathers before them. I raise my glass to that. I know it’s a huge juxtaposition but I find there is something oddly innocent about that, compared to blunt and very realistic (in the sense of it insinuations being serious and that one has to ‘put out’ to please someone else) connotations within pop music, compared to the energetic, screw the rest we’ll do it our own way that Glam/Sleaze presents.

Geez, I’m highly aware I detoured this bus down bleak, solemn avenue. Let’s U-turn back shall we? Where was I? Oh yeah introductions are in order. Lovelies I’d like you to meet:

·       - Daniel Lawrence – Vocals

·       - C.C – Lead Guitar

·       - Luke Naylar – Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals

·       - Nathan Hammond – Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals

·       - Connor Godfrey – Drums/Backing Vocals

Back in late 2015 the group released their debut album “Addictive”. The album’s just that. The only antidote being more and more and…you’ve got it….more. Who needs nicotine or whatever else the kids are into these days? This gives you a high like no other!

Let’s take a closer look shall we? Come on you know you want to! That’s it follow the breadcrumb trail, I promise you there’s no witch at the end. Only lil ol’ me. Hey! I heard that! I’d watch it if I was you I do have a few trick up my sleeve. Few spells I’ve been itching to try.

Okay. Moving swiftly on.  

Track One: ‘Infestation’

The album opens with “Infestation” immediately starting on a high. A constant energy is emitted, something which is hard to maintain throughout an entire song at this velocity. However, Byte manage to maintain this with ease. Not floundering at any point. They strap the listener in for the time of their lives. They aren’t giving them up at the first stop. One particular element that struck me with this band is the vocalist. Typically in this genre (you’re going to hear me say that a lot so might as well start getting used to it) and any genre actually is how imperative the vocal is. One thing I have found with artists who attempt sleaze today is that the vocalist desperately tries to replicate what’s already been done. Usually failing. However, Lawrence manages to marry stereotypical conventions with his own grit and angst. If Olli Herman (Reckless Love) Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) and M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold) were to have a love child, Lawrence’s voice would be it!

Track Two: ‘Heartbreak Babe’

            I immediately fell in love with this track! The guitar hook just has a mesmerising quality about it. What’s more, the catchy vocal demonstrates Lawrence’s true potential compared the first track. It’s as if they are slowly getting you addicted. Dragging you in. Making the taste linger. Leaving you begging for more. Thankfully, the track does not loose the high created in the opening song. Being a lyricist my attention is immediately drawn to lyrics first arrangement later. Like the pioneers their lyrics on the surface seem simplistic however they are cleverly written. A particular favourite of mine being “starry eyes, that hypnotise I get sucked into your lies” I don’t know why I just love lines like that. They aren’t complicated or intricate to confuse a listener, yet they insinuate so much more! If ‘Infestation’ didn’t have you hooked then this one definitely seals the deal.  

Track Three: ‘In Your Face’

            Interestingly, this track breaks the sleaze conventions formed, starting with drums rather than the complex guitars. Godfrey demonstrates his stamina as a drummer as the beat remains strong and constant. Not wavering at any point. Carrying forward the irrepressible drive and energy the band emit. What’s more, the build in the introduction illustrates ALL members’ technical abilities. Common thinking about glam and sleaze is that musicians take the “easy way out”. That is doesn’t require much thinking. However that isn’t the case at all. Personally I have found some of the most talented musicians this world has to offer to be disciples of this religion. Spyder Byte is no exception. Moreover, it is easy to get lost in individual elements that this style has to offer, between multiple guitar hooks, drum fills combined exceptional vocals; yet Spyder Byte confirm their abilities as songwriters – writing for the song not for the musician. Simple is sometimes the hardest thing to accomplish. Yet when it is has an effect like nothing else. The band also illustrate how, even though imperative to the game, lead guitar wouldn’t survive without solid rhythmic foundations provided by Godfrey and Hammond. However no only does Byte demonstrate this, they also express how rhythm doesn’t have to be straight and formal; instead throw a melodic quality about it. Last but not least, a key lyric that hit me hard enough to daze me was “misery is good for revenge”. Personally, that is just one of those lines that…it’s hard to explain…but it just leaves you in love with it.

Track Four: ‘Strip Club Blues’

Although the shortest on the album, this has to be one of my favourite (I think I’ve said that about every song on here. But it’s just that good!). It’s a quick hit that leaves you pining for more. For some reason, the introduction reminds me of Poison’s 'Unskinny Bop', more the feel rather than arrangement. Nonetheless that’s one of my favourite songs so I’m not complaining! Interestingly, there is a change in pace after the first chorus that works oddly well; with a lot occurring in the arrangement however elements don’t clash, nor does it confuse the listener in any way. Notably the vocal is at it’s clearest on this track. The name itself insinuates this, but its so typically Eighties sleaze that you can’t help but love it! There isn’t a part of this song that isn’t addictive. So far the album is living up to its title don’t ya think?

Track Five: ‘Moonshine’

Common theme so far with Byte is that they start each song so differently. Okay bear with me I know that sounds odd and y’all thinking “Well Rebel they’re not going to start each song the same now”. But there is something about this genre that, in terms of arrangement, it is easy to get stuck in a redundant routine. It’s refreshing to hear just the vocal and drums. Sleaze can become very hectic, not through any fault of its own, just an endeavour to maintain energy and drive. Although, Byte excellently manage to bring tracks to their bare-minimum whilst maintaining enthusiasm and intensity. Notably, they provide you with a break that you never knew you wanted. Signifying not only they talent as songwriters, but also they nail the overlooked talent of song placement in a set – or in this case album.

Track Six: ‘On Time’

            Remember that glorious love triangle I created in a futile attempt to describe Lawrence’s vocal? Well I am about to add another one to the concoction. Up until now I’ve been racking my brain trying to think who else Lawrence reminds me of. It seemed so obvious. On the tip of my tongue. Then it hit me! You could say I was ‘thunderstruck’ …wait…that only makes sense if I had already told you the singer…although that particular song was with legendary Brian Johnson. I am in fact talking about the iconic voice that kick-started AC/DC’s phenomenal career. That’s right. Mr Bon Scott. Now you can all laugh at my cleverness. Okay that’s enough. Lawrence manages to draw forth all the finer qualities of all the vocalists I have mentioned, intertwining them with his own technique.

            After the well-deserved break in ‘Moonshine’ Byte bring back the verve harder and better than ever. It is possible to easily misplace and over do backing vocals. Yet Byte appropriately places gang vocals, utilising them to enhance the song. What’s more, the call and response arrangement between lead and backing vocals establish how intriguing ‘On Time’ would be to hear live. Particularly for a band just starting out and carving their name into the scene, having a repertoire that literally anyone can sing along to will aid them in the future. One way to hook a new crowd is having songs that allowed them to feel like they’re part of the show. Markedly, there is an unexpected drop half way through the track, leaving drums and bass to fend for themselves in a genre where it is easy to get lost in vocals and guitars. Again Byte live up to the albums name, as they arrange a build that is truly addictive, followed by a release in the solo that the listener craves.

Track Seven: ‘Love Bomb Ticking’

            First thing that struck me with this song was how much space there is in the introduction, allowing all parts to be accented and flourish, as each rightly should. Particularly I love the call and response between the vocals and musical arrangement. Again allowing members to demonstrate their true capabilities. Specifically, ‘Love Bomb Ticking’ again brought my attention to Mr Godfrey’s incredible skill and endurance as a drummer. The entire album already insinuated this, however this particular track confirmed my thinking. It’s easy to over look drummers, while they are the ones who provide the foundations and keep the others on track. Ensuring the songs stays steady. Fella’s don’t let go of this one.

Track Eight: ‘Addictive Poison’

            Now, although I am easy to please I am extremely hard to impress, not only as a writer but also as a person. However Byte had me hooked through this entire album, ‘Addictive Poison’ being no different. Five seconds in and I’m already craving more. Notably, this is slightly heavier than their previous songs, allowing influences such as Metallica to project through the sleaze front. Nonetheless, this works surprisingly well. Leaving it…dare I say again…a favourite off the album. Every element is tight and provides the vicious cycle of a satisfactory craving for the song to continue. It wraps you in chains that you will happily commit to. But that’s just glam and sleaze at its finest. It is definitely my favourite in regards to guitar hooks. C.C. Naylar I tip my hat to you. Personally, I found this to be the best song to conclude the album on, conforming perfectly to the album title - this is an addictive poison that you can help but press repeat and put yourself through the bittersweet compulsion again and again.

Verdict?

Addictive guitar hooks. Strong, rhythmic foundations. Powerful vocals. All enhance these perfectly feel good driven songs. Whoever said sleaze was dead certainly hasn’t stumbled across these guys. They will reaffirm your faith in hairspray and tight leather/ripped denim. Happily losing yourself in the swirl of love and lust lyrics, shredding guitars and the debauched lifestyle of sex, strippers and whisky.

I’ve cleared my calendar for their next gig. Have you?

Until next time,

Unpleasant Dreams.

Check Out Spyder Byte Below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spyderbyteband/

Merch: http://spyderbyte.bigcartel.com

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/addictive/id1061554324

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6f7SPIQlXIvicsL3SaYCON