After cutting his teeth in bands Port Royal and Daisy & The White Jacket (as well as treading the boards with McDermott & North), Brisbane-Meanjin indie rock, alternative artist Sam Shepherd is creating ripples of excitement with his original compositions under the moniker Sam Syrah.
Pronounced 'sah-rah', Syrah's latest single is the blistering sexy 'Philosophy'.A QOTSA-flavoured opening guitar riff dissolves away to a bluesy lounge vocal dripping in lustful energy and a velvety-smooth rhythm section that purrs with luscious intent, while the searing guitar licks throughout stoke a sensual fire – it's the kind of fusion of melodies and riffs Arctic Monkeys' Alex Turner would be proud to call his own.
The song's lush instrumentation has Something For Kate feels that's enhanced by the rockin' swagger that brings to mind Jet; you can hear and feel the emotive intensity of the music oozing through the sonic tones that emphasises Sam's early music influences of Arctic Monkeys and QOTSA.
The lyrical journey follows the emotions that embody seduction while not dismissing the sweet sentiment of nostalgia and the warm fuzzies we feel when peeking at old memories.
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (22 July), scenestr is stoked to premiere 'Philosophy' today. Enjoy.
"I draw from experiences with past and current loves," Sam says, discussing the song's origins.
"I wanted to highlight that playful first encounter and then hurriedly move through it just as we do when we get swept away by something we aren't sure we can handle.
"It's a feeling of longing and drowning at the same time which can be completely confusing.
"The final few lines: '... and I must admit you came up a bit from time to time, I heard you're doing fine' depicts the ego release after a tumultuous relationship, which can be a door far too heavy to open for some but I'd sincerely recommend everyone find that strength. Only then can we truly move forward."
The creation of 'Philosophy' also saw Sam expand on his usual repertoire of writing predominantly sad songs.
"Sonically 'Philosophy' embodies everything I've loved about the bands I've listened to growing up: Arctic Monkeys, QOTSA, Miles Kane, Foals, Holy Holy, Gang Of Youths.
"There's a playful darkness to it. It's both cheek and sincere at the one time.
"I've always been good at writing sad songs but not so able when it comes to a song that I'd want to put on at a party. Ya know. . . dance too. Until now, I think."
