Samantha Fish’s latest continues an artful trajectory combining pop and gritty blues; Faster seduces the listener as it showcases empowerment, self-reflection, and taking control of one’s destiny. Under the watchful eye of producer Martin Kierszenbaum (Sting, Lady Gaga), Fish’s seventh solo record effortlessly ignores the blues police on “Twisted Ambition,” with a pumping bass line, radio-friendly choruses, and nasty guitar licks. “Forever Together” and “Hypnotic” abandon the blues entirely, as they surreptitiously implant dark lyrical content within groovy pop beats.

Faster is a production-heavy affair that’s less about live studio performances; instead, it leans into implanting compelling sounds, clever instrumentation, and dynamics with Fish’s sultry drawl to pull you in. “Loud” is an excellent example of this as it builds to a crescendo and features guest rapper Tech N9ne and Samantha’s badass blues-rock solo. “Imaginary War” displays inspired guitar riffage and wah work with finesse and soul. Her solos on this track are wild and spicy.

Finally, “So-Called Lover” is a power pop-meets-blues mashup, with ballsy rhythm work and extroverted soloing. Fish speaks her truth through words, production, guitar, and juxtaposing genres.

This article originally appeared in VG’s December 2021 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.