NOPE, she won't take him back and she ain't falling for any of his deceitful tricks. The Unplugged EP is the sound of a young woman not only taking back control of her career but her whole life. Having been burnt, a little, by the industry, Harrogate singer Samantha Smith isn't going to forgive and forget anyone for a few tears and a free dinner. At first I didn't like these four tracks much. The aggressive lyrics, sparse sound - just the feisty vocals and an abrasive acoustic guitar backing. Where's the romance?
But I don't suppose there's much of that in the music that Pink makes or Lily Allen or any famous rapper, for that matter. The days of the lilting wallflowers are, indeed, over but I was wrong to dismiss this EP so quickly.
After several listens the sheer high quality of the songs emerges to reveal two solidly good self-penned tracks (Lazy Girl and Taken) and one very good one (It's Too Late) which nearly rivals the cover version which closes the CD, Heartless by a certain Kanye West. And the back to basics approach does at least allow Sam to show off her vocal strengths; packed with character and honesty but, also, as it happens, melody.
Part KT Tunstall and part urban r'n'b songstress, the prettiness of the quietly played pastoral lead guitar lines suggest Samantha's impressive grasp of shaping an infectious song would sound even better with proper backing in a proper studio. But for now, let's just salute a genuine new talent - again.By Graham Chalmers - Editor of the Gig Scene
Source: Harrogate Advertiser