We here at IWTAS are big fans of Shawnee, OK-native Samantha Crain. Earlier this month, she was in St. Louis for a performance at Foam.

With an anomalous voice and acutely empathetic lyrics, Crain glides seamlessly between biography and autobiography. Emotional intelligence coupled with a sense social responsibility have long been hallmarks of her work, though never have they been more prevalent than on Crain’s 2015 album, Under Branch & Thorn & Tree (Ramseur Records). From barroom floor stomper “Big Rock” to the beautifully anecdotal “Elk City”, this latest batch of songs reveal a supremely focused — and supremely talented — writer and player.

 

Crain began the set at Foam with stand-out track “Sante Fe”, from her 2010 full-length, You (Understood). And “When You Come Back” (from Under Branch & Thorn & Tree) was especially wrenching live.

 

Crain took time throughout her performance to show appreciation for [totally awesome] STL opening act River Kittens, even inviting them back up to accompany her on “Songs in the Night”, a 2009 throwback that’s still in my head almost 2 weeks later.

River Kittens

 

 

 

 

 

Samantha Crain w/ River Kittens singing “Songs in the Night”. 

 

I zipped down Cherokee and Lemp while Crain finished at Foam, arriving at Off Broadway just in time for Bunnygrunt! Matt Harnish, Ashley Hohman, and Eric Von Damage delivered a spirited, joyful set to celebrate the release of Vol. 4 just before they jetted off to Europe for a ‘cross the ocean tour. Everyone was laughing and dancing and well-wishing.

Nights like these are a reminder that the St. Louis music scene is alive, accessible, and a hell of a lot of fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photos by Jess Luther.