It’s fitting that Samm Henshaw’s new mini-album, For Someone Somewhere Who Isn’t Us (Dorm Seven), drops in early August. August on the East Coast signals summer’s reluctant end. Though temperatures still hover in the 80s and 90s, and the Jersey Shore remains alive with sun and surf, there’s an unmistakable shift. The looming return to school or work, or simply the sight of yellow buses in the morning, brings a subtle anxiety—summer's departure is imminent.
Henshaw captures this transitional feeling in his 6-track release. While the album radiates a sunny, light-hearted vibe, it’s tinged with a melancholic undertone, but don’t call it bleak. The light must fade eventually, and summer nights, despite their fleeting nature, can provide the season's most enchanting moments. The track “Water” exemplifies this blend: its mid-tempo groove, with hints of Steely Dan, combines a relaxed, unhurried feel with a touch of late-night longing. It’s sleepy and loose, but never messy and it’s lit by city street lamps that flicker on as the sun decides to momentarily settle somewhere between up and down.
The album's deep blue cover mirrors this sentiment—dark yet inviting. If “Water” resonates with you, the entire mini-album promises a similar appeal. Brief yet rich, Samm Henshaw’s latest work reflects the fleeting nature of summer itself—deeply satisfying, but too short.
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