Samantha Fish – Paper Doll
Release date: April 2025
Label: Rounder Records
Can’t Miss Tracks: Can Ya Handle The Heat, Fortune Teller, Sweet Southern Sounds, Paper Doll
Samantha Fish Unleashes a Sonic Powerhouse with ‘Paper Doll’
A Bold New Chapter in Blues-Rock
“You pin me up just to tear me down/ I’m not your paper doll,” Samantha Fish spits out on the title track of her latest album, Paper Doll. This fiery declaration encapsulates the album’s spirit – raw, rebellious, and fiercely independent. For fans of the Kansas City-born blues-rocker, this bravado isn’t new; it’s part of her signature style. But here, Fish takes her signature sound to an entirely new level of sonic assault, blending electrifying guitar work with a commanding presence that demands attention.
From Corvette to SUV: A Musical Evolution
To appreciate the evolution, let’s consider her discography as a vehicle. If Chills and Fever (2017) was a vintage Corvette – sleek, fast, and stylish – Paper Doll is a hulking, state-of-the-art SUV with a commanding presence. Recorded at The Orb in Austin and Savannah Studios in Los Angeles, the album marks a significant shift, partly because it’s the first time Fish recorded with her touring band – Ron Johnson on bass, Jamie Douglass on drums, and Mickey Finn on keys – adding a new layer of unfettered energy.
A Sonic Assault from the First Track
The album kicks off with I’m Done Runnin’, a gritty blues-rock statement of independence. Fish’s vocals are unapologetic, soaring over a musical attack that balances polish with garage-rock rawness. Right from the start, she makes it clear: this is music that hits hard and hits fast. Tracks like Can Ya Handle the Heat dish out buzzsaw guitars and pounding drums, embodying defiance and daring with every note.
Powerful Tracks with a Range of Emotions
Paper Doll doesn’t just showcase brute strength; it reveals emotional depth. Lose You and Rusty Razor shift into higher gear – hard-driving, riff-heavy anthems with chunky riffs and intense beats. Mick Collins from Detroit punk bands The Gories and Dirtboms lends a fierce vocal assist on Rusty Razor, adding an extra punch.
Meanwhile, the title track Paper Doll stands out as a rebellious feminist anthem – raw and introspective, it’s a song Fish wrote early in the album’s creation, embodying her fierce independence. The album’s closing track, Don’t Say It, offers a more measured, soulful guitar solo – reflecting Fish’s steely resolve in the face of heartbreak and her desire to be heard.
Blending Toughness with Emotional Colors
Despite the album’s sonic ferocity, Fish masterfully weaves in moments of tenderness. Sweet Southern Sounds opens with soothing organ, building into a searing expression of need, topped with a Southern rock-flavored solo. Off in the Blue offers atmospheric, introspective vibes – reflective and open-hearted. Fortune Teller, not an old cover but an original, starts slow and brooding before exploding into a wild, psychedelic blues rocker – a wild ride from start to finish.
The Power of the Band and Production
This album’s fresh energy is partly due to Fish’s collaboration with her tour band, capturing a live, spontaneous feel. Producer Bobby Harlow, known for his work with Fish on 2017’s Chills & Fever, helps craft a sound that’s both polished and gritty. The mix allows every element – guitar, keys, drums – to breathe, creating a rich, organic landscape that showcases Fish’s formidable guitar skills and vocal prowess.
Themes of Defiance, Dignity, and Self-Expression
Throughout Paper Doll, Fish’s themes are clear: resilience, self-reliance, and the quest for genuine expression. “I wanted to make a big guitar album with epic performances and really sing my ass off,” she states in press notes. She achieves this – and more. Her guitar solos are fiery and intricate, her vocals filled with emotion, and her songwriting sharp and compelling.
A Record That Pushes Boundaries
Critics and fans alike will find Paper Doll a bold, dynamic record that defies genre boundaries. It’s a perfect blend of arena rock energy, gritty blues, and soulful melodies. There are moments of experimentation, but nothing feels forced – just Fish’s unbridled creativity shining through.
Final Thoughts: A Masterpiece in the Making
Samantha Fish has always been a fierce force in modern blues-rock, but with Paper Doll, she delivers her most complete, confident work yet. It’s a record that will resonate with fans of raw guitar-driven music, emotional storytelling, and energetic live shows. Whether you’re dancing, headbanging, or lost in reflection, Paper Doll offers a song for every mood.
In Conclusion
If you haven’t yet experienced Samantha Fish live, you’re missing out on one of the most electrifying performances in contemporary blues and rock. But with Paper Doll, she brings that same energy into the studio – a fiery, unapologetic testament to her artistry. This is not just an album; it’s a declaration of independence, power, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence. Keep your eyes and ears open; Samantha Fish is only just getting started.
