Samantha Rae, the roots-reverent soulstress, spellbinds with her latest single, Gaslighter. Taken from her intensely anticipated debut LP The High Road, the creative conjuring combines swampy blues tones with a country twang and an arcane air of enlightenment that even Nicks would struggle to match.
Rae’s poised with conviction and sultry-to-the-senses vocals effortlessly embody empowerment as she solidifies her status as the pinnacle and poster girl of a contemporary country icon. The infectiously kinetic rhythm of Gaslighter is impossible to resist, transfixing the listener in the beating heart of the earworm which sees the lyrical delivery seamlessly integrated with the instrumental backdrop, which culminates in a raw-with-revolution rock riff.
Far from a typical exposition of the phenomenon of psychological manipulation, Rae injects working-class fervour into the track, resonating with those who feel oppressed by the gentrified elite, the lyrical dualism is an undeniable attestation to Rae’s ability to transcend the expected.
Samantha Rae balances her musical career with her role as a horse trainer and riding instructor in southern New Hampshire. As an accomplished songwriter and live performer, Samantha Rae frequently lights up stages across New England. She has shared the spotlight with prominent acts like Sugar Ray, LoCash, and Tyler Farr. Her talent was recognised early on, earning her the New England Country Music “Country Group of the Year” award in her debut year as an original artist.
After being mixed by Grammy-winner Chad Carlson in Nashville, Gaslighter was officially released on July 26; stream the single on Spotify now.
Review by Amelia Vandergast