“Lovely, jangle pop paired with lyrics that have real bite!” (Caz Tran, Double J)
“Existential crisis but make it dreamy. I like the frenzied, stream-of-consciousness energy in the vocals against the measured guitars.” (Lucy Smith, Triple J)
“It’s part kooky off beat rock and part lush coastal charm and the combo works well.” (Declan Byrne, Triple J)
“I like the sound here makes me feel like someone’s spiralling down and out, off the rails in a dreamy/pretty twisted way.” (Ilai Swindells, Triple J)
“It’s an emotional journey for any viewer, but also a warning that though everything may seem fine, we never really know what’s going on with those around us.”
(Blunt Mag)
“As elegant as it is angsty, the single channels the style of bands like The War On Drugs and Real Estate with ease.” (AU Review)
“Woozy strumming guitars, lo-fi drums and sweeping chord progressions. Add to this Sammm’s perfect vocal delivery and you’ve got a hit.” (AAA Backstage)
“It’s a mix of slacker rock, fuzzy guitars and jangly pop that belongs on your next playlist.” (Scenestr)
Making his eagerly-awaited return with an uptempo indie-rock dynamo is beloved artist SAMMM. with new single ‘Stronger Now’, out on May 13.
Known for his ambient, offbeat slacker-pop approach to indie rock that is distinguished by a defining punk-infused vocal accent, SAMMM. is the moniker for Brisbane-based artist Samuel Geddes, who brings his intense personal experiences to every ounce of his music, delivering unparalleled sonic journeys.
The last time we heard from SAMMM. was in 2020, when he unleashed his dynamic EP ‘Fresh Sheet Feeling’, which featured lead singles ‘Four Eyes’ and ‘Faye’, seeing SAMMM. dabble into life-changing experiences battling substance abuse, self-care and intense romance and heartbreak.
Now, SAMMM. makes his bold return with ‘Stronger Now’, which also delves into his first-hand experiences with addiction within a grounded rock track featuring guitar-lead melodies and a warming inner light. Focussing on his indie-rock roots, the track pairs surging electric guitar layers with fervent drumming, while still leaving space for jangly synth-pop notes to peek through the strong melody.
Samuel Geddes’ distinctive vocals are front and centre, his thick accent demanding attention as it palpitates with the inner strength of the mantra-worthy sentiment of his lyrics. Front to back, ‘Stronger Now’ carries all of the elements required for an upbeat indie-rock charmer, underlain with the undeniable force of SAMMM.’s bruised optimism and kooky offbeat energy.
A deeply personal song, ‘Stronger Now’ sees SAMMM. reflect on the destroyed relationships left in the wake of addiction, whilst also acting as a mantra of self-belief. SAMMM. elaborates:
“When I wrote ‘Stronger Now’, I was watching addiction destroy my relationships, almost as if I was viewing my life from the outside, making choices that weren’t my own. The lyrics, “wasted youth” came out so easily because I felt that I had lost so many younger years to drugs and bad choices. Then I’d be face-to-face with depression and anxiety again, and drugs felt like a safe constant for me,” he says.
“I think in retrospect ‘Stronger Now’ is a tribute to the friends that had to give up on me because I know it’s hard to support an addict in a downward spiral. ‘Stronger Now’ was my mantra that I wasn’t giving up on myself yet.”
SAMMM.’s previous releases have seen support from the likes of Double J, Triple J Unearthed, AU Review, Blunt Mag, Music Is My Muse, Scenestr, AAA Backstage, Rage and more.
Soak up SAMMM.’s return with his powerful new single ‘Stronger Now’, out on May 13.
