Sam Millar: ‘More Cheese Please’
SAM MILLAR
MORE CHEESE PLEASE
To be released on September 1, 2023 (Sam Millar)
Review:
Back in 2017 and after two EPs, the much vaunted British Classic Rockers Bigfoot released their self-titled debut album but, just a little over a year later, and with far less fanfare, the band quietly disappeared. Now that band’s guitarist and main songwriter has resurfaced with a new touring band and a brand new album which kicks off in fine style with “The “Killing Floor” – an MOR pop/rock gem that wouldn’t be out of place on any Midnite City album; whilst “Fooling Yourself” starts off with an ’80s new wave keyboard feel before breaking into another jaunty, chorus driven, mid-tempo track.
“Something I’ll Regret” is ever so slightly tinged with funk whilst retaining the feel of being a perfect soundtrack inclusion to any John Hughes movie which, of course is no bad thing, and the lengthy “When The Summer Ends” comes across sadly as light, but not unpleasant, filler. “Chardonnay” is pure pop and “Showbiz” is an era-defying nugget that could easily have been recorded by Tim Karr or even Brett Smiley, while “Forget You” owes more than a passing nod to Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” before becoming a joyous glammy stomp.
“Dancing On My Own” is another toe-tapper that for some reason made me think of Richard Marx in all his mid-’80s pomp, and consequently plastered a grin on this otherwise miserable face! “Déjà Vu” is an atmospheric slice of semi-balladry with yet another memorable chorus, and “Neanderthal Man” throws every MOR trick in the book, including pitch perfect harmonies and a cool but unobtrusive guitar solo into the mix and it all comes together very successfully too; before the smooth album closer “Meet Me Halfway” supplies further delicate harmonizing and another effective solo.
My only criticism is the title. If it’s a wry or ironic attempt at humour, then it more than detracts from the labour of love that this clearly is for Sam Millar, as he has produced it as well as handling all the perfectly suited guitar and vocals. I presume the touring band members also contributed musically with particular kudos going to the rhythm section, backing vocals and harmonies.
Let’s be completely honest, there’s no sleaze and very little rock contained herein, but it doesn’t matter because summer is coming and this purest collection of radio ready, infectious pop joy will have you yearning for more innocent times while you roll up the sleeves of your jacket and keep the party going by playing it all over again!
Track List:
01. The Killing Floor
02. Fooling Yourself
03. Something I’ll Regret
04. When The Summer Ends
05. Chardonnay
06. Showbiz
07. Forget You
08. Dancing On My Own
09. Déjà Vu
10. Neanderthal Man
11. Meet Me Halfway
Band Member:
Sam Millar – guitar, vocals
Additional Musicians / Live Band:
Lucy Shevchuck – guitar, backing vocals
James Thorley – keyboards
Benji Faith – bass
Alex Lacy – drums, backing vocals
Band Websites:
Facebook (Sam Millar & The Sass Bandits)
Big Cartel
Reviewed by Rockney Colin for Sleaze Roxx, April 2023