For the past two years, NYC indie/emo outfit, SAMSARA., have been touting an album in the works. Something that’s unapologetically theirs; a real setting out of their stall as a band, and a first, studio-length foray into their well-earned career. At the end of January 2026, in the form of nine tracks, they finally delivered the goods — and oh, they’re sweet. Sumptuously sweet. So, prepare to get well acquainted with the band, because you’re bound to need ‘whatever helps you sleep at night’ on repeat prescription. 

They leave no margin for pondering; the opener, ‘mrs porter’, is immediately a banger with a stellar outro solo, to really teach you early doors just why you should stay engaged. And believe me, it’s worth it. Next, ‘can you not stay any longer?’ uses these echoing reverbs to give a sense of wanting, yearning — as though it’s a lasting wish not just vocally but sonically. Further standouts come in the forms of the bold start to thrashy ‘so far gone’ and punchy ‘talking to a stranger’. The latter embodies why a lead guitarist has a clear, distinct role in a group. 

For me, the shreddy riff that kicks off ‘lexi’ is darker, moodier but more ferocious than the sad-boy anthemic vibes thus far. It’s class — and one for the moshers to lose their shit to, frankly. But SAMSARA. don’t scrimp on dynamic shifts. While this tune’s a previously released single you’ll recognise, ‘how do you say my name?’ still impresses with its gentle flow. The pace it builds up to then slows down from as it goes from verse to chorus and back again? It’ll still grip you, and the cheeky break just fits with such purpose. 

While talking favourites, it’s what the bass and the guitars bring separately — yet so harmoniously — that really rocks about ‘i’m alive!’. It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic emo belter, with a shinier, fresher coating for 2026. 

The penultimate ‘restless nights’ begins slower and more melancholically, but then does produce bursts of energy. Before you know it, eventually, a different effects pedal gets plugged in for the closing song, ‘everest’, and it’s only a guitar and vocals for a solid minute before the drums join in. You could call it a parting gift that typifies the mental (and instrumental) climbing its title alludes to. 

All in all, a gripping debut album? Gosh, and then some. 

If you only download one track, let it be: ‘i’m alive’