Review: Samantha Lindo, Rough Trade

If you’re not familiar with Samantha Lindo then you’re missing out, open a new tab in your web browser and give her stuff a listen. Better still, get a ticket to her next show. The neo-soul songstress performed a powerful set at Rough Trade, I couldn’t keep count of the amount of times I had goosebumps. Samantha’s vocal range is astonishingly versatile, from sultry and wispy soul to full throttle Diana Ross fuelled disco/R&B.

………………………………

Bristol24/7 relies on your support to fund our independent journalism and social impact projects. Become a member and enjoy exclusive perks from just £5 per month.

………………………………

Her latest single ‘Underside’ was at the root of the entire show. The inspiration stemmed from Samantha’s friend, Rebecca, who is recovering from PTSD. The night began with a live podcast launch between Samantha and Rebecca which was commissioned by the mental health charity, Time To Change. The discussion between the pair was incredibly heartwarming, friendship is a beautiful thing and it was evident that Samantha and Rebecca have a lot of love for one another. “One of the biggest privileges in my life is being your friend Rebecca”, Samantha beamed.

Samantha and her band took to the stage as a Kate Tempest song boomed out of the speakers. Opener ‘Deep Down Low’ is about “the gruelling process of forgiveness” she explained. Beginning solely with vocals and keys, allowing for Samantha’s heart on sleeve lyrics to make their way to the forefront. Ultimately a soul driven song but with glistens of gospel and neo-soul sprinkled throughout thanks to the luscious keys sections and downtempo drums.

A natural born storyteller, Samantha articulates the meaning behind most of her songs. Personally I’m a big fan of when artists do this, it can serve as an insight into their process and influences and how inspiration can be drawn from all sources.

Teetering into the spoken word spectrum, Samantha then narrates a poem about a time  “when I said yes to someone marrying me”. A deft and emotive spoken word piece which made me feel all fuzzy. The line ‘navigate our shadows by the stars’ is still ringing in my ears several days later. The band was contorting and complimenting every stress which Samantha uttered and it all flowed beautifully as a single entity, not as two seperate counterparts which can often happen when spoken word is performed to a backdrop of live music.

Samantha then went on to explain the origin behind ‘Lips’ and how it’s about “all the females doing great things for climate change”. Incredibly apt as Greta Thunberg has recently visited the city along with the incredible news that climate campaigners won a battle against the expansion of Heathrow airport. Catchy riffs and playful lyrics, it’s got a blissful summer feel to it whilst having a politically charged message.

Touching upon themes of friendship, her Jamaican heritage and powerful women, each one delivered with warmth, honesty and spine tingling vocal performance. Ending the night with ‘Road To My Hometown’ which then transcended into ‘Don’t Let Go’ by En Vogue, it was dynamic, unsuspecting and a good old fashioned sing along to end the night. Witnessing all the love and friendship that night was compelling truly special.

All images by Lizzie Goldsack

Read more: Review: The Maine, SWX