Sam Isaac

Kruger Magazine

Sam Isaac is on tour. He's been on tour for about four months, constantly. He will be on tour well into August, if not longer. Just check his myspace for proof.

Sometimes he plays by himself, sometimes he plays with a band, and quite often, he tours with Luke Leighfield. Now look a little closer at that myspace page, at that list of dates. There's something... unusual there, right? Gone are the Barflys, the Carling Academys and other names we're used to seeing on the back pages of the NME. Instead, there are living rooms and BBQs. Yes, Sam Isaac is on tour and he could be playing your house soon.

"I don't believe in adding people on myspace." he states abruptly, "The only way people are going to like you is by playing live for them." Sam is on his way to another gig at the moment, in the middle of another tour with Luke. Sam and Luke knew each other while they were at school, playing in different local bands around Worcester. Then, when they got to University, realised they'd both started working on solo stuff and a brief tour of living rooms followed. "We thought we'd do 1 week," explains Sam, "That turned into 6 weeks. It's a good way to spend my time."

This is DIY at its grassroots. But why not look for support slots, or even support on a small tour to start off? "Venues always fuck you over" asserts Sam in a matter-of-fact manner, "People forget you're turning up, forgetting to pay you; I haven't got any bad living room stories." Sam and Luke travel in one car, with little money. They turn up, they play, they sleep, and then they leave. Surely there must be downsides to this way of touring? Sam offers only one problem by means of reply; "You get somewhere and find the people have planned a huge night for you, but you're so tired."

Although it sounds too romantic to be true, I want to believe Sam. I want to believe that intimate gigs, word of mouth and an endless tour schedule will triumph over back-handed management deals and paid support slots. And then Sam, with the strongest conviction, convinces me; "Look, you can play in a big venue to 40 or 50 people, but only a few can really be listening so it makes little difference." Then, thoughtfully adding, "I played in a house of train carriages, all lined up side by side." and I would bet every person at that gig will remember Sam's name.

Sam Isaac is on tour a lot, taking his show to Brighton's Great Escape Festival this month. I ask if it's a bit of a disappointment to play a venue; "I'm not anti-venue!" he fires back with a giggle, "I'm looking forward to it; I'm just hoping it won't be empty or full of industry." Since The Great Escape is said to be Britain's answer to South by Southwest, you'd expect an unsigned artist to be hoping the opposite. However, things don't seem to be so industry reliant in Sam's world. His debut single, Sticker, Star and Tape, is out at the moment, a split release 10" with Luke Leighfield on Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly's new label, Mannequin Republic. Originally, the release was planned as a self-funded venture between Sam and Luke, before Mr. Duckworth offered the backing. According to Sam, "It's more of a collector's thing."

And, in turn, it seems to have hit the radar of a number of DJs, from Huw Stephens to Janice Long who Sam will play a session for next week. I ask if he minds doing a session for Radio 2? "I don't think she gives these things out willy nilly." he answers, causing me to choke slightly on my tea, "I'd have to be pretty 'scene' to turn that down." he adds laughing. "I found out that she's Keith Chegwin's sister which is probably the most exciting thing about it. I don't know if she wants people knowing that but I read it on Wikipedia so it's already out there."

If you type Sam Isaac into Wikipedia, you get nothing. It surprises me that while Sam can sort his own press, tour schedule and even generate a fair bit of hype for himself, he still hasn't created a page in this online book of everything. It proves that even with DIY, there's some things you need to wait for others to do. Offers for shows it seems, again surprisingly, also demand motivation; "People only ask when you send out bulletins, but we'll pretty much play for anyone." So there you have it, to help keep Sam Isaac on tour... you just have to ask.

On June 20th Sam Isaac, Luke Leighfield and some very special guests play a summer barbeque exclusively for Kruger subscribers at a secret location in Cardiff. It'll be super dope! Oh yes!

Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before

This release is for anyone who loved Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly and Dave House's brilliant split EP from last year. It's similar in sound, theme and even format, because Sam covers a song by Luke and vice versa.

Sam Isaac's voice reminds me of Kele Okereke and the music on 'Sticker, Star & Tape' also has a hint of Bloc Party thrills but it's got a much warmer sound. Sam's cover of 'I Miss Those Summers' is a semi-acoustic gem with wonderful cello moments.

Luke Leighfield's 'The Rain Will Come Again' manages to be quietly intimate and unforgettably epic at the same time. The crashing drums, rich French horns and piercing violins add up to the kind of grandiose production that you'd usually only get from Jason Pierce. Luke's cover of 'Annie Hall' combines devastatingly beautiful piano and massive echoey 'Purple Rain' style drums to create something almost as big as Prince's 1984 anthem.

Rockfood

The first release for Sam 'Get Cape's' Mannequin republic imprint, this split 10" offers little by way of surprise, pitting two fairly similar singer-songwriters against each other. Both efforts are incredibly involving and lyrically astounding, With neither seeming to hog the limelight. All four tracks are concise, intelligent and appropriately heartfelt, fulfilling all the necessary requirements to avoid any unnecessary comparisons with Jack Johnson et al. 4/5

Toxic Pete

Released as a split 10" single with sparring partner Luke Leighfield, the intrepid Sam Isaac pulls 'Sticker, Star And Tape' from his latest mini-album and follows up with his version of Luke Leighfield's 'I Miss Those Summers'. The 'A' side, 'Sticker, Star And Tape' is one of Isaac's more up-tempo, kick-ass works. It flies from the start and the pace doesn't relent for one second. It's a brave release from Isaac as it's not truly typical of this outrageously fine singer/songwriter. Did I just say 'not typical'? Perhaps that's being a bit harsh actually coz Sam Isaac is not a one trick pony by any manner or means. In fact, more than being brave I think Isaac is being quite canny here because 'Sticker, Star And Tape' is actually a very commercial song.

The 'AA' side, 'I Miss Those Summers' is ironically more what I'd expect from Sam Isaac. He really get his teeth into Leighfield's great song and makes it his own. Beautifully melodic and simplistic, 'I Miss Those Summers' whets the appetite for more Luke Leighfield songs. Good PR then! Clever interaction between two like-minded songsmiths and buddies. Sam Isaac is hot at the mo' and I can't help feeling that whatever he turns his hand to he'll come up trumps in the end. His distinct vocal delivery seems to work no matter what he does and his strength of writing will always get him through anyway. More top quality work then from the red-hot Sam Isaac!!

Glasswerk

A split EP from two artists signed to Get Cape Wear Cape Fly's record label - this is a cause for celebration. Isaac and Leighfield sing one of their own songs each and then cover one of the others and the record is a mini delight. Isaac's 'Sticker, Star and Tape' is an inevitable highlight due to it being the title track on his great album from earlier this year, but perhaps the best moments on this four-track release are the two covers.

Leighfield's version of 'Annie Hall' is arguably better than the original, for while he shares Isaac's gruff-yet-heartfelt vocals he adds far more percussion and gives the song a fuller, more finished feel. Isaac's version of 'I Miss Those Summers' is fantastic, and is up there with 'Sideways' as the best thing he's ever done. Leighfield also has the same way with words as Isaac and creates wonderfully cute lyrics that somehow never seem schmaltzy ("my mum used to say 'make sure you're back by 5, don't stay out late, don't rip a hole in your jeans'").

Leighfield's own 'The Rain Will Come' completes the record and is like a very English version of Bruce Springstein's 'Secret Garden'. This is a lovely little collaboration of two young talents in the Frank Turner mould and if there's any luck they'll soon be widely heard.

Gigwise

Like when menopausal women job share at a biscuit factory, Sam Isaac and Luke Leighfield are single sharing on this double A side release. With the song writing credits shared at two a piece, these two fellas are among the first clutch of releases on Sam "Get Cape" Duckworth's label.

The Isaac-penned 'Sticker, Star and Tape' features the kind of guitar/electro-bleepery that worked a treat on Bright Eyes' 'Digital Ash.' album but with a very British bent. Leighfield's 'I Miss Those Summers' (performed by Isaac) is the clearest nod to Duckworth's acoustic, conversational style and equally as listenable. Whether they will continue to work together is unclear but both Isaac and Leighfield are armed with enough nous to make healthy dent in the solo troubadour market.

Punktastic

I suppose it would be easy to say Sam Isaac comes from the same school of solo acoustic as Get Cape, what with the occasional beats and his storytelling lyrical style, but with a sound more akin to Bright Eyes and Luke Leighfield than Sam Duckworth, the comparisons may be obvious, even if they're not quite fair. This 9-track album was released in January and is crammed full of tender moments. The sombre 'Falling Sounds From Across the Atlantic' could easily be the highlight, but then that would possibly be unfair on tracks like 'Sideways' and the album's title track which are also very special. Sam's clever lyrical musings are matched by his off-kilter vocal style which is very breathy and honest.

I think it's pretty certain Sam Isaac will be the next UK-based solo artist to trouble Radio 2 listeners and gain a national fanbase. After all, this is great stuff.

Toxic Pete

Well, Sam Isaac just seems to go from strength to strength. 'Sticker, Star & Tape' finds Isaac in stunning form. The strength of writing here is hard to better - anywhere! And then, of course, there's the distinctive breathy vocal delivery, classy guitar work and fantastic arrangements. Yes, 'Sticker, Star & Tape' is yet another great release. Nothing to dislike - plenty to enjoy!

Young Mr Isaac, and he is still relatively young to be writing songs to this level of sophistication, has a natural, creative ability when it comes to lyrics and melody. Musically, Isaac seems to be toying with a few more up-tempo things and pretty much getting it right. 'Sticker, Star & Tape' contains more variation than previous releases I've heard as Isaac mixes it up a bit. I had envisioned Sam Isaac becoming a mournful songsmith - pouring out deep, wordy and lengthy works that tug at the heart strings, but he's now proving that he's not a one-trick-pony. In earlier days I felt Isaac would be more of a follower of acoustic fashion - he's not! As an all-round musician Sam Isaac is maturing nicely, he's finding his own way and expressing himself even better that I thought he would. He keeps his songs concise, to the point and never seems to drift off into self-indulgence. Sam Isaac has more about him than that and 'Sticker, Star & Tape' may just be the springboard he needs to move him on and up.

Although he calls this a mini-album, there's still nine excellent tracks to admire and indulge in; what should we expect if he releases a full-blown album? The mind boggles!! 'Sticker, Star & Tape' from Sam Isaac is superb - again! Clever, appealing, mature and scarily, still learning and improving! Impressed? I am, you should be and hopefully thousands will be because, quite simply, Sam Isaac deserves success!

Glasswerk

The second this record comes on you instantly feel yourself go a bit limp (not in that way), because this is music to relax to and forget the rest of the crap you've heard recently. And while Isaac's voice initially sounds a bit harsh and brittle for this kind of soothing music, it in fact improves the tunes, giving them a slightly harder side and stopping them from becoming too twee.

The title track all goes a bit Hot Club de Paris meets Arcade Fire and the fact that it works is quite remarkable. Isaac's obvious warmth helps immensely though as does his Chris Martin/Sam Duckworth (Get Cape Wear Cape Fly) voice. He's got an ability to make everything that little bit sunnier and amazingly he can do it without it all going soppy.

'Carbon Dating' has (potentially horrible) Eagles-style guitars and a Bright Eyes' 'First Day Of My Life' feel to it and is a brilliant feel-good standout track. In fact this album is full of feel-good tunes and its as if Frank Turner, Conor Oberst and Damien Rice all got together and thought which lucky young fella shall we give are happiest tunes to? If he wasn't blessed enough with songwriting talent, he can also write a decent lyric or two. 'Falling Sounds From Across the Atlantic' features, "writing on MSN sitting there in your underwear/ a million people falling in love through thin air/ I'll tell you I love you in three characters or less."

This really is quite amazingly lovely stuff. He's not going to change the musical landscape and this is unlikely to span any hit singles but the album works. If he can get himself onto some indie comedy-drama soundtrack (think Garden State) then he may get the recognition that this warrants because this is a beautiful little album that deserves to be heard. And if you've still got doubts about how refreshing Sam Isaac is, one of the dates on his huge fifty-odd date tour simply says, "Sam's House, Leicester." Legend in waiting.

Rhythm and Booze

Compass Scattered Love is a fantastic release, each and every song showcases the talent that Sam Isaac possesses, his arrangements and delivery are far beyond his years. There may be a great number of singer-songwriters around at the moment but Sam is more than a match for any of them. His ability to wear his heart on his sleeve and sing from the soul is a refreshing change from the countless performers who constantly wax lyrical about nothing in particular. I can't recommend this release enough, truly awe inspiring stuff.

Toxic Pete

A big EP this one. Seven great tracks that allow Sam Isaac to get his musical message across. That message is one that says Sam Isaac is a stunning young prospect.

This young guy writes songs that are both mature and commercial and 'Compass Scattered Love EP' gives the lucky listener a great insight into his world - a world stacked with natural talent.

There's many similarly ilked, acoustic based artists out there that have broken through against all the odds, sometimes against all expectations. I don't see any reason why Sam Isaac can't join the like of David Gray, Damien Rice, Nizlopi and many, many more. Sure, Isaac's chosen genre isn't always in vogue but quality will always give you a chance. And Sam Isaac has an abundance of quality.

This superb release clearly shows Sam Isaac to be a singer/songwriter to watch out for. Oh there's room for improvement here and there - but nobody's perfect - especially at 20!! Isaac's not afraid to mix it up; he goes from Dylan-esque to Rice-ish with consummate ease. He introduces keys, strings and percussion here and there and makes it all work - it all sounds and feels so natural. His general vocal style is a bit like Luke Concannon of Nizlopi (JCB) fame and look what they accomplished at Xmas 2005!!

Comparisons are fine, they allow readers to get a feel for style and sound but, Sam Isaac is very much his own man. 'Compass Scattered Love EP' is well worth a listen. Seek it out. Seek him out. You might, one day, be able to say that you were there at the start!!

Fake DIY

Sam Isaac's folky, acoustic offerings give him a sound not dissimilar to The Magic Numbers, only without their never-ending grin-inducing sunshine summers, and a black cloud approaching from the east. Oh, and none of the female 'Numbers.

With a cadence that's rich in emotion, and an honesty about its exposed ambience, 'Compass Scattered Love' delivers a sentiment above and beyond the track, a much devoid skill within the modern songwriting arsenal. There's even time for a harmonica interlude as the track pitters and ascends with intermittent familiarity towards its contemplative climax. 3/5.

I Think You'll Find That's Fireworks

Sam Isaac is somewhat of an indie cottage industry: friends are often seen joining him onstage, some even design artwork, many help out behind the scenes and some, well, they just get drunk.

'Compass Scattered Love' was released on the back of a twee sounding living room tour (Belle and Sebastian eat your heart out), and many of these songs are perfect comfy armchair fodder. There's a relaxing, yet forceful warmth to his voice. This is most evident on the intircate, weaving 'Hospital Bed', but the true highlight is the slowburning, layer upon layer approach of the title track that punches a good weight.

Glasswerk

The singer/songwriter genre has been joined by many artists and I really do believe that is one of the most tricky and difficult music genres for many reasons; one of those, is the great importance of a successful combination of both music and vocals/performance.

Sam Isaac is a twenty-year-old singer/songwriter, who released this debut EP, 'Compass Scattered Love', on June 5th on Back2Forward Records.

Throughout the tracks of this EP Sam is trying to do his best and reveal the sensitivity of his music. However, even though sometimes he manages to do that successfully, other times he does not. 'These Last few Months' is a rather good start for Sam's debut EP with a very melodic tune. Nonetheless, while you will be trying to make up your mind and decide whether you like Sam's songs or not, the second track 'Compass Scattered Love' destroys any good first impression. This cyclothimic mood follows in the next tracks as well and makes it rather hard to decide whether you like this EP or not.

Even though, Sam Isaac has some good aspects in his music and in his vocals, something goes wrong in the end and this might be because of his young age and so the lack of experience.

Toxic Pete

An untitled demo EP from nineteen year old London singer/songwriter Sam Isaac. And, a really impressive piece of work it is too. Isaac sounds older than his years; he has a really mature sounding voice and his writing is sentimentally gritty and meaningful as the excellent opener 'Secret State' and its sensational use of strings, to bolster the already powerful melody, demonstrates.

'Make It Now', 'Take Care', 'Contingency Plan', 'Nineteen' and 'These Last few Months' continue the high standard as they variously take the listener through many moods and down many lyrical roads. Throughout, Isaac maintains a frighteningly laid back feel; it all sounds so natural and damn easy!

On a couple of tracks Isaac reminds me very much of Luke Concannon of the now successful Nizlopi (I was there at the beginning you know!!); his intonation and phrasing are very similar - and hey, that can't be bad! Elsewhere Isaac is very much his own man and is very much doing his own thing.

All the tracks here are well arranged and impressively mixed to allow Isaac's crisp, clear vocals and sympathetic guitars to sit comfortably just where they should be. The raw talent is easy to hear and there's an alarmingly infectious quality to his songs. Lyrically, Isaac's works are intelligent and belie his relatively tender years. The unnerving simplicity of Isaac's approach is a joy to behold - one to watch out for methinks. Certainly this guy's got talent and I can't help but feel that we'll be hearing more of this young man - quite right too!

Heathen Angel

This is an intelligent and soothing E.P. from a great talent. Yes, the singer/songwriter sector is full to bursting but when someone as good as Sam Isaac comes along you don't really care, instead you just listen and enjoy. 8/10