Astray (CD - 2000)

Additional personnel: Jason White (background vocals).

Recorded at The Plant, Sausalito, California; Sharkbite, Oakland, California; Excello, Brooklyn, New York.

Personnel: Jason Beebout (vocals, background vocals); James Brogan, Sergie Loobkoff (guitar); Johnny Cruz (drums); Jason White (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Steve Revitte.

Recording information: Excello, Brooklyn, NY (04/2000-05/2000); Sergie's Extra Room (04/2000-05/2000); Sharkbite, Oakland (04/2000-05/2000); The Record Plant, Sausalito, CA (04/2000-05/2000).

Photographer: Brian Archer.

Samiam shows that a band can stay together for more than ten years, get dropped by a major label, and still put out a great record. Astray, the Berkeley, CA, band's sixth album, is vintage Samiam: staccato guitars that suddenly burst, emotional lyrics, and a tight, indie punk sound. Once again, the band continued to push the boundaries of melodic hardcore with Astray. Highlights include "Super Brava," "Calloused," and "Dull," the last a flowing song long enough to have different movements. A telling line: "I've had a lot of time to think, and I'm so tired of thinking/I know why he put that bullet in his skull/because life can be so dull." While the band's name is borrowed from Dr. Seuss, the music is more sophisticated than children's books, as well as most punk rock. ~ Ron DePasquale minimize