My first album review of 2025 is for a debut album by a band of whom I knew little (now, like you dear reader), I know a bit more! It’s street date is down for January 10, but it does seem to be on Spotify (since November 16).
The Sam Graber Band is:
Sam Graber (lead vocals, bass),
Marc Partridge (guitar, vocals),
Brian Reidinger (drums, vocals).
Turning to the press release, I informed myself that:
“It’s not every day Minneapolis music royalty comes together and makes an album to leap out and grab the soul.”
Grabs the soul indeed. Melody, heart, power pop and drive. With “Love & Fury,” the Sam Graber Band has delivered one of the finest local rock albums in years.
The shifting balance between the love lyrical and the fury manic—that’s the album. The soaring lead single “Higher” showcases the golden-voiced Sam Graber at his best, singing love songs that dovetail into the fury of “Cinnamon Skin,” a pounding force of 85MPH guitar rock. “Delirious” is the sing-a-long about losing our minds while trying to keep our hearts. “Echo,” a drummer’s wail about begging not to be remembered. Long Long Way: a final goodbye to the lover who furiously walked away. And “Get Ya Some,” a rock blues ripper about legalized drugs, because why not?
“We play these songs live and the next time the venue is full, the people are singing with us. These songs weren’t made to be just listened to at home, but swallowed live in sweat and tears.”
My Review: 10 songs, 40 minutes.
“Higher” opens with some piano, some shuffle on the drums and a floaty theme of hot air balloons. It reminded me a little of Coldplay, maybe in the guitar sound. As an opener, it is light rock, airwave friendly.
“Delirious” is heavier, and I liked it better! It is one you move to as you listen to it and it has a good little groove and a harmony chorus. Some impressive guitar work here too.
“Cinnamon Skin” takes me onto the road with a rocky driving song. Turn up the chorus and enjoy a great commercial rocker that I would have started the album with. The chorus is a little stormer, energetic and harmonised. My favourite so far, and some of the music reminded me of Chris Rea.
“Simply” has a slower beat and introduces a bit of a funky feel into the beat. I guess the drum beat provides a strong heartbeat to the track, but it engaged me less than the previous two lyrically.
“Get Ya Some” is a more old-time bit of rock n’roll. It is one of those to put your fifties skirts on for and move your way through the track. A fun track about legalised drugs (apparently), but that kind of passed me by on my listen!
“Echo” gives a neat jungle drum style of beat to the song; it delivers an uplifting track that is a good listen. I made myself a cup of tea and enjoyed letting this one wash through me.
“Long Long Way” is a mature, uplifting song. Again, I found myself carried along by the lyrics and the simple sway within the chorus and tune. As the word nice is not forever banned to me (even if it is horribly overused by everyone), this is a nice song!
“I Don’t See a Tear” Oh, I immediately liked this one! It took me into “Rock the Casbah” and had an infectious beat. This one definitely cuts the mustard neatly (notice the subtle avoidance of nicely there). One of the best on the album and I am sure it would sound great live.
“Tilt” is a live track and has a funky, simple beat with a great little instrumental section mid-song.
“Nothing Left to Show” closes the album with a decent rocky style close—a bit of Tom Petty perhaps!
In summary, a mature album that provides some great listening and even some dancing pleasure. Although a debut album, the guys have clearly the knowledge of the music to deliver a slick, multi-faceted album with the ability to surprise and engage at its best.
Standout tracks: “I Don’t See a Tear” and “Cinnamon Skin.”
As we continue to grow and improve the magazine, your support means the world to us. By clicking the ‘Support Us’ button to buy us a coffee or simply following us, you help show that our hard work is valued. When it comes to our reviews, we take pride in diving deep—listening to each album, thoughtfully commenting on every track, and delivering genuine insights. Unlike others who settle for only copying press releases, we dedicate ourselves to bringing you authentic, high-quality content.
Band website is here
You can stream music from the band here
INSTAGRAM @SamGraberRocks
By Lorraine Foley