Since their 1989 debut, The Samples have been known for singable pop songs characterized by a trippy vibe. After major personnel changes last summer, The Samples rebound with an enjoyable collection of contemplative midtempo songs that seem to emanate from a dream state.
"St. Mary's Bell" resonates with warm bass guitar, while "The Birds of Paradise" soars on a reggae tip. Keyboards add an air of Pink Floyd to "Hypocrite," and the title track harkens to the Beatles' psychedelic era. In a change of pace, "Going Through Changes" morphs from a lovely ballad into an homage to French children's songs.
"Here and Somewhere Else" is more laid back than 1996's "Outpost," but the pensive lyrics and melodic pop-psychedelia are very much up to Samples standards.
