Samantha Crain
(Ramseur)
The Confiscation could only be considered Samantha Crain's debut EP from a literal label affiliation perspective, having already self-released an impressive catalog of demos. The young Oklahoman singer/songwriter (and full blood Choctaw) has a style the befits her Woody Guthrie homeland roots, but also displays a contemporary sonic attitude within her plaintive story songs, like Feist using Mazzy Star's pastel crayons to fill in the heavy black folk lines of Bob Dylan's History of Americana coloring book.
Crain launches "Beloved, We Have Expired" with an expansive Wilco-like blast before settling into a (Bob or Jakob) Dylanesque groove while "The River" and "Traipsing Through the Aisles" amble comfortably down a familiar folk lane, propelled by Crain's Southern Gothic lyrical turns, choked emotional vocals and lilting pop melodicism. From folk pop odes to light/dark hymns, The Confiscation is a moving introduction to Samantha Crain's work and range and a fabulous preview for what will hopefully be her imminent full length followup.
Standout Tracks: "Beloved, We Have Expired," "The Last Stanchion Goes Belly Up" BRIAN BAKER
