Samuel

Samuel strikes me as the prototypical Neon Gold artist - he's poppy, exuberant, and a little over the top. Where The Knocks and Passion Pit have managed to reign in their tendencies to live by the sticky hook and the melodramatic flair, Samuel has embraced his. At Neon Gold's CMJ showcase, that flair was on full display. Before nearly every song Samuel turned his back to the audience, letting the music build before turning around with a flourish to begin singing. Once in action, his face was pained, his actions bordering on histrionic. It was a bit much, but, then again, isn't that kind of the point? Samuel is still young, and his live show maintains those characteristic green indicators. But he's got a good start. A couple more songs like "I Heart NY" and a few hungry months on the road, and Samuel could be ready for the Neon spotlight.