Samantha Fish – 'Paper Doll'

For ‘Paper Doll’, her latest album, Fish joined forces with renowned producer Bobby Harlow to create her strongest collection of songs yet. Collaborating with co-writers Kate Pearlman, Jim McCormick, Anders Osborne, and Harlow, she blends emotional intensity with fiery energy, pushing the boundaries of blues while staying true to her mission of bringing the genre to new audiences.

‘Paper Doll' marks Samantha Fish's return to solo work after her 2023 collaboration with Jesse Dayton on ‘Death Wish Blues’. Under Bobby Harlow eye the album expertly captures the band's dynamic performance. Each instrument is given room to breathe, resulting in a crisp, unmistakable sound. Topping it all off, Fish's vocals add the perfect final addition. Recording with her live band infuses the album with a raw, in-the-moment energy.

Well, what’s between the covers then? Everything you'd expect from a Samantha Fish solo album is here. The tracks flow seamlessly, shifting between blues, rock, soul, or a dynamic blend of all three.

The album bursts open with a fierce one-two punch. 'I’m Done Running' sets the tone with its slide guitar-driven blues rock, laying out the album's lyrical theme as Samantha Fish asserts her independence and strength. The band is razor-sharp, with the bass and drums driving the track forward with relentless energy. There's no pause for breath—'Can You Manage the Heat' erupts from the speakers, giving the bass drivers a serious workout as Fish leans into the grittier, rock-heavy side of her playing.

'Lose You' is the kind of track you must hear to fully grasp its unique vibe. It blends spacey rock with a folk-rock-inspired vocal delivery, creating an atmospheric, genre-bending experience. Just as the music drifts and evolves, so do the lyrics—shifting between storytelling, bold declarations, and unapologetic attitude.

‘Sweet Southern Sounds’ rolls out next. So far this is my favourite track on the album. It’s a looking back warmly kind of song. There’s warmth to the song and the delivery. The organ and guitar intertwine seamlessly, creating a sound that feels as if it emerged straight from Stax in the early seventies. It would nicely nestle among that era's more politically charged releases, where it would have offered radio stations a touch of sweetness amidst the rising wave of anti-war, anti-government, and environmental activism.

'Off In The Blue' keeps things light, embracing a rootsy, Americana sound. Fish taps into her deepest emotions, delivering one of her signature soul-infused ballads with effortless grace.

‘Fortune Teller' shifts the pace, a beautiful soul-infused track. Fish’s vocals are hushed, a whisper, carrying an undercurrent of menace in the verses that erupts into a fierce, roaring chorus. The song reaches new heights with a blistering, almost demonic guitar-break across the bridge.

'Rusty Razor,’ a collaboration with garage punk Mick Collins, bursts in with a punk-infused buzz, its guitar slicing through the track with raw energy. While it teeters on the edge of punk-pop, Fish and her band expertly keep it gritty and fierce, ensuring it retains just the right amount of bite.

The title track unfolds with a moody, mid-tempo blues, setting a rich atmospheric tone. With every musician performing at their peak, Samantha Fish stands out, delivering a vocal performance that is both stunning and deeply emotional. Her enthusiastic delivery brings the song’s raw intensity to life.

‘Don’t Say It' closes the album with a deeply emotional finale. It opens with a languid lead guitar gliding over an acoustic strum, then unfolds into a heartfelt tale of lost love and the lingering pain of being left behind. As the song builds, a gospel-infused chorus swells, delivering a powerful, rousing conclusion. Fish and her backing vocalists echo the song’s title into the fade, leaving a lasting impression.

Samantha Fish’s Paper Doll captures her most expressive guitar work yet, seamlessly blending bluesy grit with rock intensity. Her solos feel raw and instinctive, never overindulgent but always serving the song’s emotional core. Vocally, she shifts effortlessly between defiance, vulnerability, and swagger. Lyrically, the album explores themes of self-reliance and resilience, channelling nostalgia and deep blues traditions.

Recorded with her touring band, Paper Doll exudes a live-wire energy, capturing the grit and spontaneity of a stage performance. Fish weaves blues, rock, and soul into a dynamic listening experience, shifting between fiery anthems and introspective ballads. Under producer Bobby Harlow, the sound remains crisp yet unpolished, allowing each element to shine—the drums pulse with power, the keys add warmth, and Fish’s guitar tones resonate with rich, organic depth.

Compared to Faster (2021), Paper Doll exudes confidence, with songwriting that feels more self-aware and emotionally rich. This depth adds greater weight to the album, enhancing its impact. Fish continues to push blues rock forward while staying true to its roots, standing alongside modern greats like Joanne Shaw Taylor and ZZ Ward.

‘Paper Doll’ was released by Rounder Records on CD and Vinyl on 25th April 2025.

Digital version can be purchased from BandCamp: https://samanthafish.bandcamp.com/album/paper-doll

It can be streamed on Apple Music, Spotify etc.