2008 Woodie Awards
Samiam's Whatever's Got You Down released on Sept. 26
Review
Caitlin Saraphis
Issue date: 10/3/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
After a hiatus of nearly six years, Gilman, Calif. alternapunks, Samiam, have returned with their second Hopeless Records release, Whatever's Got You Down.
Despite the long break between records, Samiam has been on three European tours since announcing their break in 2000. But Samiam didn't completely stop playing music together and it shows in the way their sound hasn't altered substantially in the intervening years. Granted, Jason's voice isn't as strong as it used to be, and they've definitely been influenced by some recent bands. Overall, though, this is very obviously a Samiam record.
Whatever's Got You Down is alt-rock from start to finish - if you ignore the one-minute mock-bluegrass album closer, "Hambone"- and is everything fans of the band could want. There are songs like "Are You Alright" that are reminiscent of their past hits, and songs, like "Storm Clouds," that smack of a Killers/Franz Ferdinand influence. The lyrics are just as full of the "fuck you" attitude that made their other albums so great to sing along with. There are a few tracks, like "Take Care," where Jason's voice sounds like he screamed himself hoarse at a show the night before and still came in to record the next morning, but the rest of the elements in the songs are good enough to make up for that one failing. In fact, every track is consistently good, so you can put it on and listen the whole way through without being disappointed.
Whatever's Got You Down is the quintessential solid alt-rock album. It's not flawless, but it's good enough that the flaws add character rather than causing the whole album to suck. If you liked Samiam before their hiatus, you'll love this album. If you've never heard of them before, but like well-performed, punk-influenced alt-rock, this album is a great introduction to an awesome band.
Despite the long break between records, Samiam has been on three European tours since announcing their break in 2000. But Samiam didn't completely stop playing music together and it shows in the way their sound hasn't altered substantially in the intervening years. Granted, Jason's voice isn't as strong as it used to be, and they've definitely been influenced by some recent bands. Overall, though, this is very obviously a Samiam record.
Whatever's Got You Down is alt-rock from start to finish - if you ignore the one-minute mock-bluegrass album closer, "Hambone"- and is everything fans of the band could want. There are songs like "Are You Alright" that are reminiscent of their past hits, and songs, like "Storm Clouds," that smack of a Killers/Franz Ferdinand influence. The lyrics are just as full of the "fuck you" attitude that made their other albums so great to sing along with. There are a few tracks, like "Take Care," where Jason's voice sounds like he screamed himself hoarse at a show the night before and still came in to record the next morning, but the rest of the elements in the songs are good enough to make up for that one failing. In fact, every track is consistently good, so you can put it on and listen the whole way through without being disappointed.
Whatever's Got You Down is the quintessential solid alt-rock album. It's not flawless, but it's good enough that the flaws add character rather than causing the whole album to suck. If you liked Samiam before their hiatus, you'll love this album. If you've never heard of them before, but like well-performed, punk-influenced alt-rock, this album is a great introduction to an awesome band.
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