Oakland, CA, punk band Samiam, formed in 1988, released their first album in 12 years, Stowaway, on March 31 via Pure Noise. The band's current lineup includes longtime members Jason Beebout, Sean Kennerly, and Sergie Loobkoff, as well as newer additions Colin Brooks and Chad Darby. The album was written over a decade and recorded in multiple studios, including Billie Joe Armstrong's Otis Studio in Oakland and Savaria Studios in Brooklyn. Stowaway features their 2021 single "Lights Out Little Hustler" with Hot Water Music's Chris Wollard and the recently released track "Crystallized." Samiam has also announced upcoming tour dates, including a performance at Brooklyn Made on April 19 with Walter Schreifels and a run with Pure Noise labelmates The Bouncing Souls.
What Worked
With decades of experience to call upon, the band sound energized on Stowaway while delivering the goods across twelve songs over a lean thirty-four and a half minutes. Opener "Lake Speed" is a bullet train that leads to an incredibly catchy sing-along chorus, a staple of Samiam's sound. Right behind it is "Crystalized," featuring descending guitar licks and an equally melodic chorus.
What Didn't Work
Some might question if middle-aged punks have anything relevant to say in a genre defined by its youthful energy. While this album may not attract many new young fans, existing and older fans should find the music and lyrics engaging.
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