Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton, Death Wish Blues Review
Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton, Death Wish Blues Review
Death Wish Blues is a narrative of contradictions and harmonies. Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton are two accomplished musicians, both with distinct styles and attitudes, yet when these two forces converge, a rich tapestry of tales unfolds, each imbued with emotions ranging from raw, desperate longing to fierce, unapologetic resilience.
Just imagine “Deathwish” as a sonic representation of a person grappling with their internal darkness, venturing into the depths of their psyche. The raw energy and palpable passion that emanate from the track are akin to the turmoil that arises when confronting one’s demons, painting a vivid, haunting image.
“Down in the Mud,” on the other hand, could be seen as a stark depiction of perseverance amid adversity, a narrative of slogging through the grimy, less-than-ideal circumstances and emerging stronger, more resilient. The bluesy, rockin’ rhythm and the raw, honest lyrics deliver a poignant tale of struggle and resilience that’s sure to strike a chord.
“Riders” offers a fascinating perspective, as it could be seen as an allegorical journey. Whether it’s the ride of life or the journey through the vast landscapes of the blues genre, this song seems to encapsulate the essence of being on the move, in pursuit of a destination, or perhaps simply for the thrill of the ride itself.
“Trauma” takes the listeners on an emotional roller-coaster ride, with Samantha Fish’s raw and emotional vocals capturing the lingering effects of trauma. The lyrics and her guitar work serve as a narrative that chronicles a painful journey of healing and acceptance.
“No Apology,” with its defiant energy and refusal to compromise, comes across as a clarion call for authenticity. The narrative that unfolds through the lyrics and the powerful vocal performance invites the listener to embrace who they truly are without apologies.
“Rippin’ and Runnin'” can be seen as a tribute to the unrestrained and liberated life, an anthem of living life on your own terms, wild and free. It’s like a short story set to music, where the protagonist is unbound by societal norms, running wild, and ripping through the monotony of everyday life.
Lastly, “Supadupabad” serves as an exuberant celebration of joy and freedom. The narrative here may not follow traditional storytelling norms, given its funky and unusual title, but it radiates a vibrant, joyful energy that’s simply infectious.
In each track, Fish and Dayton have leveraged their musical skills to spin captivating stories that engage the listener, sometimes with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, sometimes with the gentleness of a feather’s touch. This speaks volumes about their masterful use of the music medium to tell their stories.
In Death Wish Blues, Fish and Dayton have definitely constructed a riveting reality through their songs. Blues fans will agree that their bold and unapologetic approach to their music and the narratives they’ve crafted reflects the power of music and storytelling!
Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton
Death Wish Blues
Rounder Records
May 19, 2023