Album Review Samantha Crain: The Confiscation

21-year-old singer-songwriter Samantha Crain, jumps into the Folk Rock world with her debut EP “The Confiscation.” The EP was released by indie label Ramseur Records on July 22nd. It’s already gaining praise for its literate story telling and whimsical sound.

Samantha’s style can be best described as unique. Most listeners will notice the influences of “Woody Guthrie” and “The Flaming Lips” however comparisons to other artists such as “Feist” seem to pigeon hole her in the, “Female Folk Rock” category, never the less her style separates her from her peers.

“The Confiscation” flips between soulful, earthy and seductive, Samantha’s throaty vocals glide through her strange narratives about love, hate, betrayal and redemption. The EP is divided into five musical stories arranged like chapters in a book.

The album begins with the most stunning of all the chapters, “Chapter I: The River,” a spooky tale of a preacher who drowns those he baptizes. It’s presented rather cheerfully with its jolly harmonicas and upbeat percussion.

The heartstrings are pulled even harder in, “Chapter II: Beloved We Have Expired” and the loneliness and desolation of “Chapter IV: In Smithereens, the Search for Affinity” have some of the most beautiful guitar playing I have ever heard.

“The Confiscation” challenges popular music ideologies and makes the listener really think about what they are listening to. This is an album that stays with you long after you play it.

What You’ll Like:
Quirky lyrics, unique story telling, throaty female voice.

What You Won’t Like:
The low fi sound: This album was recorded in a studio basement. It does not have the smooth manufactured quality of a studio album but I think that’s part of its charm.

The packaging: no lyrics.

Sounds Like:
Folk, Folk Rock, Alternative Country, Experimental

If You Like Her You’ll also Like:
Neko Case, Feist, Martha Wainwright