Sam Gifford is an indie rock artist from Stotford, Bedfordshire who I first discovered back in September through his single release Run The Red Light. When I saw that the EP on which the single features had been released, I had to give it a listen. It’s called A Second of Love.
By Graeme Smith
Feature Photo by Matt Gifford
The name of the EP comes from how time and movement can often be distorted by how we perceive them, and this becomes doubly true when love is involved. The EP starts with its title track and it’s through the tracks lyrics that this idea is explored. “A second of love lasts longer than years without,” the track proclaims. Sam’s delicate vocals are accompanied by acoustic guitar and percussive highlights before things build to an anthemic finish. It’s a strong start.
Track two Gang Of Thieves opens with ecclesiastical organ and electric guitar. Sam has been compared to Springsteen a lot in the media and it’s easy to see why with barnstorming tracks such as these. Gang Of Thieves brims with the same desire to get out of unfortunate circumstances and its explosive chorus showcases the passion that Sam’s vocal can carry.
Shadows in the Dark is the EPs pensive, moody moment. The acoustic guitar returns and Sam’s emotive vocals take centre stage. It’s a meditation on loss and inner-struggle told through relatable lyrics. It wouldn’t be a Sam Gifford song without a build to a big finish though and Shadows in the Dark delivers catharsis from its second chorus.
The EP ends with the aforementioned Run The Red Light. It’s just as powerful as I remember and compliments the mood of the other three tracks well. In fact, the four tracks that make up A Second of Love all do well to give a different insight into Sam’s heart while sounding distinctive enough to each stand on their own.
With the likes of Sam Fender tearing up the charts with his Springsteen-inspired modern sound, I can easily see Sam Gifford finding the same level of popularity. A Second of Love is a great introduction to his sound. I see big things on the horizon for Sam. You can check out the EP below.