Louisville, Kentucky singer/songwriter Sam Filiatreau caught the ears of Caamp’s Taylor Meier and Matt Vinson after they heard one of his sets. Soon after, Filiatreau became the first artist to sign with Meier’s new record label Gjenny Records and the three (Meier on drums and Vinson on bass) began recording in an Ohio cabin where three days were spent capturing the stripped-back essence of Filiatreau’s debut. Filiatreau names John Prine, Randy Newman, and Townes Van Zandt as influences and he easily emulates the lyrical honesty of his heroes. The collection of songs either have a lighthearted acoustic vibe or are melancholy campfire crooners that employ timeless storytelling and themes based on common life experiences. Album highlights include: the shuffling opening track “Hold the Door”; the heartbreaker “El Camino”; the upbeat ditty “Hold Me”; the gentle track “Ashes”; the somber road song “Silver Highway”; the witty self-deprecating number “Wrecking Ball”; and the closer – a jaunty acoustic folk track “Fine by Me.” Sam Filiatreau’s self-titled debut is short but sweet and leaves you wanting more. I look forward to more music from this young talent! – Written by JFelton
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