Released in early October 2012, Samantha Harlow’s record Love Letters is a charming and easily relatable addition to the Nashville local charts. Produced by acclaimed guitarist Kenny Vaughan, the album holds tremendous promise even upon first glance.
Harlow’s fusion of Americana, honky tonk and classic country sounds makes for a very memorable listening experience. Her sound is reminiscent of indie rock icons Iron and Wine as well as the calm, intimacy of Band of Horses’ first record, Cease to Begin. Her musical influences can be traced across multiple genres, from country similarities to that of Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty to Americana legends the Avett Brothers.
Opening track “Trouble Fades” intrigues the listener to continue on with strong imagery and a message straight from the heart. Harlow’s voice is quiet and comforting, like a familiar friend or a soft inner-monologue. She saves the most powerful ballads and honest lyrics for the middle of the journey through Love Letters. In the track “Lay Me Down,” Harlow pleads to “Love me just once like you love her all the time.” The album regains a steady heartbeat with the hand drums in “Marie,” providing life and energy for the remaining tracks.
Closing tracks “Fairy Tale” (with electric guitar work reminiscent to that of rockabilly royalty Chris Isaak) and “Telephone Call” end the record with a strange sense of optimism and that everything will one day be right. By the end of the album, the listener is left with his or her own quiet personal revelation.
Love Letters is the perfect record to choose on the dusty jukebox at the local honky tonk or as an understanding companion to a melancholy night in with a bottle.
Samantha Harlow is currently touring New England with Joe Fletcher & the Wrong Reasons and recently opened for Lisa Marie Presley at the Exit/In. Look for her on tour in 2013 with Andrew Leahey, Elli Perry, and more. –Courtney Foster