Samantha Leon - s/t (2017)

OFFICIAL: http://www.samanthaleonmusic.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/samanthaleonmusic/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/samleon_music

Video Teaser: https://youtu.be/v5I3R_SURcg

Written by Randy Jones, posted by blog admin

Samantha Leon’s debut EP is a good collection of songs that doesn’t take much getting used to. They all have something to keep your ear fine-tuned to what they’re about, or leave that and just let them move you, or not. This isn’t a veteran artist but she sounds like one. She has obviously been around the New York east coast scene or she wouldn’t come up with something so strong that pulsates like it’s been her longtime formula. For a debut record, this isn’t always the result without some years of hard work behind it. You can sense that before the first song is even over. Her influences run way back to the 70s and 80s stylings, with some of that singer/songwriter touch, and her voice has massive pop resonance, but it’s mostly classifiable as soul. This is easily defined in the first verse of the opening piece of a two-part song, “Bright Yellow Shoes.” This “No Turbulence Mix” differs more than slightly on a later “Full Band” version and it’s one of the highlight moments when you put them both together. This is done very cleverly and without it, the EP wouldn’t be as together as it seems. It’s like the release is centered on them and that’s the featuring concept, if you will.

On “High” you will be lyrically swept into another direction, and if it is your cup of tea you will be satisfied, because everything checks out if so, including the language it calls for if it’s your thing. Don’t get too loaded before she calls and you’ll be alright on this one. The message is clear and mindful, even if explicit. I liked how she worked this out and did it her way. It’s still a good groove. The same goes for “Run Away” which exceeds expectation at this point. This is a really-good track and a recommended single. But it’s not the same type of song as most of them on the EP. It’s probably the most radio-accessible one. She manages to break through on both commercial and harder levels on her first release and that’s not done every day like it used to be. It reminds you that such feats might not be a thing of the past if they keep up. For evidence of it all just check “Perfect (Featuring Danny Matos)” and see how she works with other singers and switches it up with the combo factor. This works undeniably well, for another solid track which shows she and her backing players have what it takes. There really are no clunkers, with even the slowest track “Hello, Goodbye” bringing on something fresh and vibrant. Get some today; it’s been out since May.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars