Sam Grow – Rainy Day In Paradise [EP]
April 12, 2010
Earlier this year many of my friends suggested I should check out Sam Grow’s new EP “Rainy Day In Paradise”. I value their opinion a lot when it comes to music as they have pointed me in the direction of many a good artist. So I was eager to check out this singer/songwriter I hadn’t really heard of before.
And am I glad I did. A fresh and current sounding singer/songwriter EP with well-balanced songs that draws from americana, rock & roll and classic rock at times, carefully written songs that are performed with heart.
The EP starts with the excellent title track. There’s a bit of a bluesy undertone in the song that suits Grow’s vocals perfectly. It has a groove, a flow that gives the song extra body and I would think it also makes this song a good fit for live sets. Then it continues with a pop/rock & roll track, Open Your Eyes, that slightly reminds me of Gavin DeGraw, back when that guy was at his best. Then the softer power ballad Information In which is beautifully laid down.
The EP holds another couple of good songs, including a possible breakout hit Holding Back, which is very catchy and has a very radio-friendly sound, without sounding too much like all the other songs out there. Face To Face is a groovier rock & roll song that probably gets across better during a live set. But even on the EP you can hear the soulful and energetic performance of the song. As a bonus, the EP features a live rendition of the song Cruzin’ which is a nice treat. Catchy song, but not the best one on the EP.
So looking back at this EP I’m pretty impressed by what I heard. Especially Rainy Day In Paradise and Holding Back stick with me as standout tracks. Sam Grow is a singer/songwriter to watch. He’s not quite there yet, but in his songs you can hear a lot of potential. If he can continue the progression there’s a good chance that the world will hear his name more often in the future.
Inner Ear Media 