The Samps, led by members of
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, sounds something like Rick James (RIP) manning the boards for
Neon Indian. The tracks on their upcoming self-titled EP for Mexican Summer fit nicely into the hazy aesthetic of other bands on the label's roster, but emphasis on MSTRKRFT-sized, funk-influenced synth bass lines and hectic song structures keeps the songs consistently fun and engaging.
"Peppergood", the last track on the EP, puts all the band's strengths up front: a funky, propulsive bass line, fragmented vocals which pop in and out of the mix at irregular intervals, and a percussive breakdown two-thirds in that gives way to a synth-flourished finale. It's a great song...but as far as dance music goes, The Samps' ethereal, constantly-shifting variety is more suited for headphones than dance floors.
The Samps is available now for download from the Mexican Summer website with a physical release scheduled for 6/15. -
ben krusling
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MP3: "Peppergood" (The Samps)
The Samps on Myspace 