Sam Roberts is a Canadian Singer/Song writer from Montreal, Quebec. After trying to get a record label and being in a couple previous bands since 1993, Sam Roberts, now with his own band, caught his break in 2002 after being signed to Universal Records Canada. He recorded this six track EP entitled
The Inhuman Condition. This album became very popular in Canada in the summer of 2002 much to the surprise of Sam and his band. The first single released,
Brother Down, became a huge hit on Canadian rock radio during that summer. Two more singles followed Brother Down, those being
Don't Walk Away Eileen and
Where Have All The Good People Gone?, both being hits and receiving plenty of air time. Now all of the sudden, half of the EP were hits.
The Inhuman Condition is a very solid debut album and a very good EP. Now on to the album.
The album opens up with
Don't Walk Away Eileen. It starts off with pounding drum for only a few seconds until the guitar and vocals kicks in. This is song is probably the hardest on the album and a very catchy one at that. One of the three major singles on the album, and an overall great rock song. Next is
Brother Down. If you live in Canada, you've heard this one for sure. This song brought Sam Roberts into the mainstream and it's easy to see why. Brother Down is not a hard as the previous song; it has a nice mellow and soothing feel to it. Sam's vocals are at his best here. This is probably the best song on the album and also the longest track on here. Following Brother Down is
Where Have All The Good People Gone?, the last of the popular songs on the album. The song best exemplifies the mix of acoustic and electric guitar into one. This song also features some keyboards in it, which compliments the song; A definite highlight of the album.
Now half way through the EP comes
When Everything Was Alright. It begins with an almost country like guitar. Sam's voice sounds great, but in the chorus it sounds kind of static and difficult to hear what he's saying, until the next verse starts again. It is not as good as the previous three tracks but still an enjoyable song.
My Love Is Freeing is next. It has a steady bassline throughout the whole song. This is the slowest and most calm song on the album, but not a bad song; however it is my least favorite of the six here. The sixth and final song on the album is
This Is How I live. This anthemic song is really catchy and has a somewhat rockabilly feel to it. This song also features some piano in it. Overall a good song and an appropriate ending to a great EP.
This is a very strong debut as I had already stated and I recommend it to anyone is a fan of rock & roll in general. Since this EP was released, Sam Roberts has put out a full length disc which features the three singles off this and plenty of new material titled
We Were Born In A Flame released in 2003 and then a brand new album entitled
"Chemical City" which will be released in spring of this year. The only major con to the album, although it doesn't affect the album itself, is that may be expensive for a short album.
4/5
Sam Robert's Band:
Sam Roberts: Vocals/Guitar
Eric Fares: Guitar/Keyboards
Dave Nugent: Guitar/Backing Vocals
James Hall: Bass
Josh Trager: Drums
Recommended Tracks:
Brother Down
Don?t Walk Away Eileen
Where Have All The Good People Gone?
This Is How I Live
