In this infinite void of new music, few acts have the ability to transport your mind to a world of infectious rhythms, cheeky melodies, and fun bedroom-pop quirkiness quite like Disco Sam. He’s about to release a brand new EP, his 7th (!), one he’s calling American Nightlife. Upon listening, it’s evident that this ain’t Sam’s first rodeo, and the enigmatic frontman once again shows his irresistible appeal in this brand new batch of charming, disco-flavored bedroom-pop compositions.
The EP opens with “Draws Me Inside,” and the hallmarks of Sam’s songwriting go-tos start to shine through immediately. The basslines on American Nightlife are absolutely the backbone of these tunes, bobbing and weaving around the fretboard with an itchy sort of bounce. Sam’s vocals also shine through here, a characteristic baritone that sounds like it belongs at a sweaty, sexy basement show. There’s something seductive about Disco Sam, and “Draws” is a great way to ease listeners in… While you listen, it’s not hard to imagine yourself in a dive bar at 3:00am, colored lights and lasers hitting your face, while you sweat out the vodka sodas you’d been slamming for the last five hours.
Transitioning seamlessly into the next track, “Practice” sounds like Porches met up with STRFKR and had a clandestine night of steamy romance. The song’s use of plunking keyboards and those oh-so-tasty basslines help to find a fascinating juxtaposition between smooth and groovy. Disco Sam’s playful lyrics and cheeky metaphors add a delightful layer of charm, making “Practice” a joyful anthem for those navigating the treacherous terrain of relationships. It’s a song that captures the essence of Disco Sam’s music, blending contagious energy with a mischievous wink. Same goes for track five, “If I Lose You.” Watery plunks and a skippy drumbeat power this one forward with an icy disposition, really bringing to mind the stone-cold delivery of the aforementioned Porches.
The EP’s title-track, “American Nightlife,” boils down the essence of Disco Sam’s sound. Reminiscent of “Africa” by Toto (with a lot less cheese, of course), “Nightlife” toes the line between sexy and romantic. “Girl, I wrote this song just to turn you on,” sings Sam, but he does so with a sense of longing. Sure he’s strutting his stuff, but he’s doing it with a soft touch. “Nightlife’s” pulsating beats and bleating synths immerse you in the colorful world of late-night revelry and untamed desires. It truly feels like a walk down a neon-lit street during the twilight hours on the substance of your choice… A legal substance, of course.
“I Just Wanna Dance With You” is perfectly-named – it simply oozes with pure, dancefloor ecstasy. Disco Sam’s inherent ability to craft catchy rhythms is on full display here. I sound like a broken record, but, the basslines, man… That pulsating bassline and upbeat tempo blend seamlessly with Sam’s intriguing vocals. The result is a breathless synergy that feels euphoric without ever losing it’s sexy danceability. If you ever needed an excuse to let loose and party, “Dance” is your sign – cast your nine-to-five inhibitions aside and dance the night away with Sam’s dulcet tones.
Disco Sam ends it right with EP closer, “Waiting for the Comedown.” This song emits a sense of longing and introspection; “You get me more than most,” Sam croons. He continues, “In the letter she wrote me, she told me of her troubled past… She said this life’s a mystery.” Could it be that American Nightlife was inspired by a special someone? Either way, Disco Sam’s lyrics dive deeply into the complexities of the human experience and the strange relationship between the euphoria of the nightlife and the melancholy feelings that we’re all out trying to escape.
American Nightlife is out July 28th. Until then, warm yourself up with Disco Sam’s discography on either Spotify or Apple Music.