In Review: Sam Akpro
Sam Akpro first surfaced on the south London music scene with an EP called ‘Nights Away’ which is no longer on streaming platforms. But, in 2021, his EP, ‘Drift’, announced his multifaceted style rooted in the influences of jazz, no-wave and rock. Since then, Sam has released another four-song EP, ‘Arrival’ in 2023, and a following three singles pre-empting the release of his debut album. These releases have seen Akpro’s sound subtly grow into a beautifully gritty one that shows whyhe’s an artist to watch.
Speaking to Sam before the gig, he said he often describes his music as post-punk. While it definitely contains the post-punk spirit, perhaps this description is an easy way out. Akpro says that it’s difficult to define his music by compartmentalising and separating the different instrumental aspects. Instead, his music should be experienced as a sort of immersive soundscape. There is an ambiguity to Sam’s sound, which makes his music enticing. In certain ways, Akpro’s sound is reminiscent of artists like The Prodigy and Death In Vegas who pioneered a jangling and unpolished rock-electronica hybrid, obscuring the conventions of both established genres. Sam is taking this mutant genre further, giving it a south London language that is refreshingly energising.
While his older music focussed attention on the instrumental substance of the tracks, for example the prevalence of the violin in songs such as ‘Cove’ and ‘Juno’, more recent releases seem engaged with carving out a particular style that is uniquely Sam Akpro’s. This can be heard in the title track of his EP ‘Arrival’, which carries a trip hop sentiment, with a driving drum beat providing the tempo and a persistent bass producing the low-end pulse of the song. Although his lyrics can be simple and sparse, they successfully serve to deepen the feel of his songs. They are often secondary to the musicianship and instrumental aspects in his music and live performances but still they find spaces in between powerful chords and electronic distortions to slip into. Present in his whole discography is an Akpro-essential elation
caused by sudden changes in tempo and the volume of vocals.
It seems Sam is on his way to finding the balance between style and substance. As Brixton’s Windmill gradually filled, Sam Akpro and his band took their positions on stage to begin the set. Heads nodded in unison and anticipation as the band lingered within blue tinted mist preparing to distribute delight. The six-piece began the set in a chorus of dissonant noises; the drums pounded in a polyrhythmic pattern while the guitars delivered droning and angular riffs. The set was all encompassing; going from jazzy tracks like ‘New blocks’ to slower ones like ‘Juno’ to energetic ones like ‘Death By Entertainment’. But the highlight of the set came with the penultimate song of the night: ‘Arrival’. Though the crowd had remained content in a steady head bop throughout the gig, as Sam asked for more movement, they obliged. As a slapping
bass, sonic textures and strained vocals ripped through the room, the crowd erupted. If you enjoy both the musicianship of jazz and the ecstatic mosh pit energy of heavy post punk, a Sam Akpro gig is the next one you should be booking.
