A new EP release from Samiah brings an absolutely vast and massive alternative rock sound to the forefront with emotionally driven performances by all parts and some deep-rooted riffs that go right along with passionate vocals that bear soul with hints of aggression and sadness underneath.
The Flower and The Serpent EP hits this wonderful line that walks between a classic alternative radio Rock that we heard in the early 2000s or late 90s, and this newer and more hard-driving feel that bears metal elements but does so with a subtlety that keeps things melodic and never loses that drama the songs were built from.
This record definitely bears some soul and a ton of honesty lyrically and the great thing about this whole performance is that you can almost feel the players feeding off of each other's energies the entire time almost as if they recorded this live on the floor to an extent.
The female vocalist is astounding and not just as a front woman, but also utilizing her vocals as instruments that float through the song's ethers from time to time really give and added atmosphere to everything.
This whole band feels like a match made in heaven and they're all taking full advantage of it by bringing in their own personal influences from guitar tones and chords to that really killer drumming that stands between tightness and looseness almost like the drummer from the Deftones for example.
Everyone has their own personality in the band and brings that into the songs and how the songs are portrayed.
You definitely get the stories behind the songs really well because the storytelling is detailed enough to paint vivid pictures in your head meanwhile the time signatures and arrangements of all these tracks are just amazing.
You can tell that a ton of attention to detail went into these tracks along with all the heart that they bear which is an absolute given from beginning to end.
This record has layers to be peeled back and it feels great to do exactly that.
There's also this amazing element of escapism that this record gives you so that you can kind of jump into these stories and eventually come back to reality again.
It feels almost like watching a really good movie or reading a few chapters of a good book for example. You have to shake it off before coming back to your reality again.
I think this has to do with this almost fantastical undertone that the tracks give you which helps them reach that sort of magical point.
The bulk of this record is heavily impactful, theatrical, cinematic, and full-bodied, with surprises lurking behind corners where you least expect them.
With the release of such a well-woven record, we wanted to have a sit-down with Samiah to find out where this record came from and what might be coming up next for them.
Here's what went down.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band?
It actually started in 2021 with me calling my best friend Jabari Reynolds lamenting about how much I missed writing together. In college, we used to sit for hours and write songs in the hallway. He quickly reminded me that we are grownups now, and that I could just fly there (Detroit) to collaborate. I ended up catching a flight and naturally, cool stuff happened.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
For me, it’s usually my own feelings. Whether they are a reaction to observations of the state of the world or referring to a specific event in my life.
Buzz Slayers: This record has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Yeah! I think these tracks are blend of both both Jabari’s and my own influences. If i had to pinpoint it, I would say Deftones, Evanescence, 10 Years and then a sprinkle of Flyleaf.
Buzz Slayers: What are you all doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I am NOT working on music I am probably playing video games or trying food at a good restaurant. I have no shame in admitting that I am a bit of a foodie.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in all your headphones right now?
Recently, I have been listening to I Prevail‘s newest Album True Power. I love them so much! Seeing them live at the Fillmore in Silver Spring was inspirational.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Not right now, but we hope to in the fall. There are a lot of sound elements that I still want to integrate into our live set. I personally feel that if the goal is to share the stage with bigger bands, we need to be able to create an undeniable ambience and take the audience on a journey. We also need to be so tight, that the worst we can be is great, you know?
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this?
No, not at all. We had a very modest budget. We stumbled upon a small studio called Underhill Recordings. (Cleverly named after my favorite trilogy, The Lord of The Rings). Jabari suggested it to me after having recently recorded with the owner Patrick Shekut in his punk band. After meeting Patrick and hearing how he vibed with the demos, we knew he was the right guy. Recording under his direction next to the flag of Gondor felt just right. He’s responsible for making our entire vision come to life! Thank you, Pat!
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
I don’t even always know what to expect from me! Haha. However, I would definitely say to be on the lookout for some new music videos!
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I would just like to thank everyone for listening! You have no idea how much it means to me. I told myself that if even one person resonated with it, I’d be happy. Seeing the love this EP has received is amazing.
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