Sam and the Sea ‘Evil Ghosts’

Evil Ghosts is an instant love. Setting its scene in the still but ever-moving middle of the ocean, “Evil Ghosts” immerses you with its immediacy and palpable intricacy. Highlighted by its immersive guitar work, keen but intimate vocal, and poignant storytelling. Innocence weaves into Sam and the Sea’s intriguing folkloric storytelling that is both earthy and haunting. He reminds you of Angus & Julie Stone, both the child-like purity and sincerity.

“Canada” tunes into the drastic, fleeting feeling, placing you on a moving train as if heading somewhere yet not knowing where you’re headed. A beautiful undertone of uncertainty sink-floats in the background, while the warm, scenic palette vibrates on the stillness of a moment and the silhouettes of many memories, evoking feelings on so many different levels.

“Horses” tunes into a darker, greyer sonic palette. The images of concrete, sunset, midnight, and introspection come into play. Reverb, loneliness, evolution blend into this blur-edged contrasting, melancholic track. Words are not needed for the first half of this hypnotic race that resembles the steady rhythm and unstoppable nature of a fright train. Sam and the Sea’s stunning falsetto lifts this track to a new level of intimacy. “Horses” is a stunning track.

“…In Waves” feels like returning home. A Zen-feeling being awakened through the twangs of warm guitars, transitioning you into a kind of stillness before the drum beats picks up and the intoxicating vocal haze blurs the line between dream and reality, stop and motion.