Samaris are a young Icelandic trio - two women and one man - who formed while in their teens in 2011. Five years on, they now fulfil their early potential with a second full length album of great maturity and beauty.
Dodd on programming relocated to Berlin to study sonology and absorb the cities techno scene. The extended range of his contribution has become even more fundamental to the band's sound. The clarinet that added such a unusual dimension on previously releases is now either entirely absent or buried so deep in the mix as to be completely hidden.
Singing in English for the first time, half the titles read like phone text speak (T3mp0, R4vin, 3y3) suggesting that little attempt was made to write deep or complex lyrics.
When lines do leap out, they hint at dysfunctional relationships, always a safe standby. For instance, we have the repeated question "What is the point of making it right?" on Wanted 2 Say.
This and the title track bring out the elements of trip-hop or muted techno and elsewhere there are also numerous hints of drum'n'bass. On top of this, tracks like I Will and 3y3 elegantly add reggae dub sources into the mix.
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Despite the heavy dependence on digital programming, the breathy, almost hushed, intimacy of the female voice gives the music a real humanity. The serene vocals are made even sexier by the backing of fluttering beats.
The combination of sophisticated arrangements and lyrical minimalism works in their favour since the band rely so heavily on creating a complete sonic atmosphere with rhythms rather than words.
With this album, written and recorded in Berlin, Ireland and Reykjavik, Samaris have seamlessly switched from their native tongue to English while still retaining a rich Icelandic atmosphere of warmth and mystery.
Samaris' website
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