Dave Sampson’s style has always been elusive to pin down. Since his 2014 album No Pressure, No Diamonds, he’s straddled the line between folk and pop with relative expertise. His newest EP, All Types of Ways, has him juggling in a bit of country as a third genre to play with. After all, why not?
It’s very fitting that this record was born out of one of the biggest (if not the biggest) country music hubs in the world. Though Sampson does primarily classify as that perfect blend of folk and pop, the country tones seeping into this EP are undeniable.
It’s likely due to the production and writing collaboration with Gordie Sampson, who’s lent his songwriting chops to countless high-profile country artists (Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban – the list goes on). Plus being surrounded by the spirit of so much great country music is bound to have an influence in one way or another. In this case, it provides an extra flavour to the record that suits Sampson’s heartfelt voice perfectly.
Sampson sings about his fair share of adventure on this EP. This is typically personified in the form of the woman he has his sights set on, like the ambivalent lover in “All Types of Ways” or the titular “Wild Child”. That spark of rebellion, tinged with what it feels like to come home, is at the heart of this EP.
“Boom Town” hits particularly close to home for most small-town Canadians. Sampson reflects on the sad state of a once thriving community. Though Sampson hails from Nova Scotia, it’s something most can relate to no matter what province they’re from. Sampson laments, “this used to be a boom town, but what goes up must come down. Man, you’d never know it now.”
Sampson finishes off the EP with the previously-released single “Trouble”. It’s one of the more laid-back tracks, but Sampson’s powerhouse vocals pack it full of energy all the same. The bluesy riffs and piercing harmonies create a perfect send-off – the last crooning note will stick with you long after the final echo.