Singer-songwriter Samantha Crain, 21, of Shawnee demonstrates writing and vocal skills beyond her years on her "musical novella” "The Confiscation.” The EP gets a national release July 22 on indie label Ramseur Records.
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Crain aptly describes her style as "distinctly Oklahoman.” The influences of The Flaming Lips, Woody Guthrie and the Red Dirt scene reverberate through her music, but she manages to sound singularly herself.
Alternately whimsical and earthy, Crain's throaty voice glides through her literate narratives about love, hate, betrayal and redemption. The musical short stories are divided into five striking chapters.
The EP opens with the most stunning "Chapter I: The River,” a chilling tale of a preacher drowning those he baptizes, delivered with jaunty harmonicas and bouncy percussion.
The emotionally rending "Chapter II: Beloved We Have Expired” and the loneliness of "Chapter IV: In Smithereens, the Search for Affinity” are wrapped in lovely guitars.
The album takes a refreshingly lighthearted turn in "Chapter III: Traipsing through the Aisles,” with its cleverly nonsensical lyrics.
"The Confiscation” is cannily packaged like an old book, but unfortunately doesn't include the song lyrics.
While easy on the ears, Crain's music challenges and offers a welcome change from the usual pop pabulum.
— Brandy McDonnell
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Singer credits Guthrie's influence 07/04/2008 When emerging singer-songwriter Samantha Crain lists her musical influences, they wind from her dad's favorites including the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan to...
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