Samantha Fish | Paper Doll Fish Review

By Tom Faddis

Samantha Fish has established herself as a formidable force in the blues and rock scenes, blending soulful vocals with masterful guitar work. Over the course of her career, she has consistently pushed genre boundaries, combining technical skill with raw emotional storytelling.

Paper Doll marks a Southern rock meets rock-blues chapter for Fish, showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and performer. Produced by Detroit garage-rock veteran Bobby Harlow, and featuring a guest appearance by Mick Collins of The Gories, the album captures the visceral energy of her live performances while delving deeper into themes of love, loss, resilience, and self-discovery.

In “I’m Done Runnin’,” Fish establishes a medium-tempo blues-rock feel, anchoring the album with a riff that deftly balances fretted, open, and slide notes. Her slide guitar phrasing during the solo strikes a compelling balance between raw aggression and emotional clarity—marked by a warm, fuzz-tinged tone that remains articulate. The solo itself builds organically, showcasing Fish’s tastefully restrained yet expressive chops. Set against a backdrop of southern blues-rock overtones, Fish excels as both a guitarist and vocalist, setting a confident tone for the record’s exploration of self-empowerment and resilience.

“Can Ya Handle The Heat?” keeps the energy alive by delivering a slinky, riff-heavy groove with sizzling guitar solos. It’s playful, with Fish’s guitar tone grabbing listeners. Fish’s confident artistry and sharp lyrical edge are in full bloom.

A hard-charging rocker, “Lose You,” combines chunky riffs with impassioned vocals. The song explores the emotional volatility of relationships, matching its thematic intensity with heavy, rhythmic power.

“Sweet Southern Sounds” unfolds with a strong 70s influence, its medium-tempo southern rock groove anchored by a warm, resonant B-3 organ. Fish’s guitar playing is relaxed yet deeply rhythmic, riding the pocket with ease. The emotional arc builds gradually: as the arrangement swells, Fish thickens her tone with added grit for her first solo, bringing a raw, soulful edge to the forefront. The backing vocals provide rich support, enhancing the song’s southern character. Fish’s second solo is particularly compelling, she sings while she plays, intertwining lyrical phrasing with expressive bends, adding a poignant, bluesy dimension to the track. Throughout, the chemistry of the band shines, creating a full, lived-in sound.

“Off In The Blue” is an atmospheric piece that showcases Fish’s introspective songwriting, featuring ethereal melodies and haunting vocal performances over a textured, slow-burning groove. Beginning with a slow, ponderous mood, “Fortune Teller” builds toward a fiery climax driven by Fish’s dynamic phrasing and a standout guitar solo that channels the spirit of Southern rock and psychedelic blues experiments.

“Rusty Razor” dives into grungier territory, with a heavily distorted guitar tone and a rhythm section that cuts with punk-like edge. Mick Collins’ backing vocals inject an extra jolt of energy, reinforcing the track’s garage-rock attitude. Fish’s lyrical delivery is rhythmic and playful, her syncopated accents pushing the music with forward motion. Her solo once again shines, aggressive yet intentional, and the band’s coordinated hits and harmonic climbs within the solo section add urgency and dimension. It’s a gritty standout that showcases the raw chemistry between Fish and her collaborators, perfectly capturing the album’s live-wire spirit.

“Paper Doll,” the title track offers a moody, mid-tempo burner where Fish delivers one of her strongest vocal performances on the album. A stomping rhythm underpins the sense of vulnerability and empowerment that defines the song’s lyrical themes.

Closing the album on a reflective yet quietly triumphant note, “Don’t Say It” weaves a bluesy soul feel into a medium shuffle. The intertwining of organ and guitar provides a lush foundation for Fish’s vocals, while acoustic guitar textures add a light, intimate touch. Full band support enriches the arrangement, particularly during the bridge where layered vocal harmonies swell with emotional intensity. Multiple guitar solos inject momentum, with Fish opting for a warm, bridge-pickup tone that complements the track’s soulful atmosphere. As the song progresses, the piano enters with bluesy chordal figures and melodic fills, deepening the texture. Fish’s vocal performance soars in the final moments, blending soulful phrasing with scatting improvisations that showcase her dynamic range and bring the album to a resonant, heartfelt close.

Paper Doll seamlessly blends elements of blues, rock, Southern rock, and soul, maintaining a cohesive sonic identity while exploring diverse emotional landscapes. Fish’s signature slide guitar work and vocal expressiveness act as the album’s anchor.

The production, led by Bobby Harlow, expertly captures the kinetic energy of Fish’s live performances without sacrificing studio clarity. The organic, slightly rough edges suit the material, allowing the passion and interplay of the band to come through.

This album shows Fish as a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist. Her willingness to experiment with mood, texture, and vocal delivery signals a maturation that should further cement her reputation among contemporary blues and rock artists.

Paper Doll overflows with Samantha Fish’s vision as a modern blues artist. Its blend of raw energy, emotional honesty, and musical sophistication makes it a compelling listen. With this release, Fish reaffirms her standing as a leading guitarist and vocalist but also deepens her artistry, pushing the boundaries of the genre with authenticity of contemporary blues and with the added heart of Southern rock.

Artist: Amantha Fish
Album: Paper Doll
Label: Rounder Records

Release Date: April 25, 2025