Evil Ghosts by Sam and the Sea: EP Review
Ambient folk and downtempo are two of the most underrated gems in the music biz. Both genres are equally enticing and stirs up a lovely chill. So, I was pleasantly moved by Sam and the Sea’s EP “Evil Ghosts” as it brought along similar themes of melodic serenity. This EP is a meditative experience from start to finish with atmospheric synthesizers, minimal guitar bits, and a subtle singer commanding it.
The opening self-titled track pertains to the likes of early Radiohead and LoFi beats. It’s a charming ode arranged by soft vocals and a beautiful acoustic riff keeping it company. The next track “Canada” is a bit more experimental with aspects of downtempo taking premise. A resonant bass acts as the base while acoustic chords grace the track. In addition to that, bluesy notes sync with the tempo and it has a nice ring to it.
So far, the work of Sam and the Sea feels like an invitation to anyone new to the downtempo/chillhop genre. Exiting the EP with upbeat melodies such as “Horses” and “..In Waves” felt like a fitting send-off. The first one has layers of dark LoFi in combination with ambient folk. As a weighty bass covers the track, mysterious synthesizers, and beats enter the mix for a thrilling sound. As for “..In Waves” the presence of Avant-garde soundscapes takes initiative. Through whimsical tones arriving from trippy guitars and basses, and an ethereal synth this last number reflects upon the EP’s meditative essence.
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Review by: Damien Reid