When looking for newcomers, the necessity to fill empty spaces is apparent. With so many varying talents revolutionizing music, finding one’s “sound” can be a difficult feat. For Dublin-born Sample Answer, a one-man moniker for Maurice O’Connor’s passion project, this ability to bring something that is refreshing and exciting seems to be easy. Newly based out of London, Sample Answer’s style is one of retro slickness and breezy, laid-back attitude.
Sample Answer’s most recent release, titled “Textile Baby,” focuses on a place of true artistry. More singer-songwriter than pop, but reflective of more mainstream radio, something about Sample Answer’s “Textile Baby” EP is so appealing that it’s hard to believe he hasn’t found instant success. Following on the heels of retro-revolutionist artists like Hozier, Sample Answer certainly holds moments that are reminiscent of older, more established music elites. In his case, influences of Bob Dylan are obvious, but ultimately, Sample Answer is able to blend enough originality to make something that is wholly his own.
On the lead track and EP namesake “Textile Baby,” Sample Answer showcases high levels of potential through a swaying, blues-infused beat. Incredibly calm but very enthralling, “Textile Baby” is a casual masterpiece. Entirely unshaken by the thought of reaching a younger audience, “Textile Baby” is something far more accomplished than releases by typical 20-something pop artists.
On tracks like “Toxic Blues” and “Karma Baby” Sample Answer’s groovy inflections become full-fledged. On each track, Sample Answer develops his own unique place in the music industry. Like a carving on a cave wall, these songs stand out. For “Toxic Blues” this uniqueness comes on the form of a thumping campfire-like sing-along. Like the end of an indie movie, there is a sense of relief that comes about. On “Karma Baby,” this style is presented through a consistent flow of instrumentals and vocals flowing in tandem alongside one another.
“Sydney” is an acoustically-led track destined to be on an easy-listening playlist. Heartfelt but ultimately not solemnly heavy, the pacing of “Sydney” is sure to seep into the ears of listeners. Like moss, there is something so porous about the melody that audiences are going to want to feel it.
Overall, “Textile Baby” feels far too short for someone with such an outstanding sense of self. For someone who isn’t afraid to stand alone in composition, the fact that this EP is a short four tracks seems kind of defeating when a full-length LP would be far better suited to have Sample Answer ‘s “Textile Baby” eccentricities envelop its audience.
Rating: 4 out of 5
