Sami Switch - Solace EP

Sami Switch

Solace EP

(Independent)

Sami Switch is an emerging artist who spent two years absent from the world of music and he was homeless during this time. He specializes in rap and spoken word and his lyrics discuss the harsh realities of life as Sami struggles with trying to find his place in the world.

Opener ‘Solace (Nearly Home)’ allows our protagonist to express his surprise at finally feeling like he is at home but I don’t think he just means in a physical sense but also in a psychological sense because he has been living on the streets and he has probably seen things that no one should ever have to see. ‘

‘Oh Why’ has Sami question his importance in the 21st century society as he tells us about a man who physically beat the ground whilst questioning God ‘Oh why is there so much suffering?’ This track does make us think about the negativity that surrounds us everyday and how it is up to us to change society for the better whether that is through tackling serious crime or picking up litter on the street. It is the idea that everyone can make a difference but only if they choose to.

‘Self Destruct’ has really soulful vocals and simple finger clicking which makes for really pleasant listening. However, a squeaky voice then arrives and it sounds like a trapped mouse as he raps ‘I was in the hospital and I was just a number when the doctor called.’ It is an interesting track but I would like to hear the song stripped back with maybe just vocal and acoustic guitar as I can’t help but feel that the heavy electronic sound takes away from the poignancy of the lyrics.

‘Ben Ali’ features piano and saxophone which is refreshing to hear on what is essentially a hip-hop song. Sami says a heartfelt thank you to someone who was a mentor to him and has obviously had a huge impact on his life as Sami wants to ‘continue on his (Ben Ali) legacy’.

Closing track ‘Hold On’ is very melodic with the use of percussion as it blends well with the vocals and it is my favourite track on this recording. The reason for this is that it allows the listener to fully understand him without all of the intense rapping and fast-paced music backing.

In conclusion, I definitely understood the meaning behind the songs and I really loved the fact that he was willing to go outside the box and feature instruments that you might not necessarily find on other songs in the same genre. One thing about ‘Solace’ however, is that it is very much ‘urban city music’ but that’s not to say that someone in the countryside for example won’t understand/relate to Sami’s hardships. It just creates imagery of a busy metropolitan city and a lone individual standing quietly on their own as people walk past without even acknowledging them.

It is the sense of sheer isolation that sets this record apart from others and I really could see Sami Switch opening for one of his contempories such as Example, Plan B and Maverick Sabre. If new urban sounds with gritty ‘tell it like it is’ lyrics is what you are after then definitely give Sami Switch a chance.

Sami Switch Solace Track Listing

1. Solace (Nearly Home)

2. Trying To Breathe

3. Oh Why

4. Self Destruct

5. Favourite Song

6. Ben Ali

7. Hold On