In her late April release, “In a Room,” Sami Ridge executes a Tool-like, grunge-y adventure that closes in on the listener like the increasingly claustrophobic room Ridge describes in the first verse. From Ridge’s deeper, storytelling voice to the distorted almost-scream she flawlessly morphs into, “In a Room” creates a three-dimensional fantasy world. While the lyrics center on metaphor rather than tangible steps, by the end of this Odyssey-like rockin’ quest, Ridge, her band, and the listener have survived monsters, royals, and fairies alike.
The melody of the verses — with small, chromatic vocal hops that sit comfortably over the bass line — gives the beginning of the song a magical feel, like we just opened a fantasy book and now have to look at the map inside of the front cover to learn the town names. Ridge’s comfortable, storytelling voice on lines like “cross the way where they play the glowing shutters” makes her seem like an ancient sorcerer giving you a quest to dive deeper into yourself.
After the first two verses (or chapters if you’re keeping up with the fantasy theme), the chorus-less “In a Room” serves up much more story-song vibes than the typical verse-chorus radio song structure. Ridge word paints: negative words and intersecting vocal lines give the effect of destructive thoughts battling for dominance. Lyrics like, “I think these hard voices aren’t allowed” and “meat thin, wont win, deaf, dumb and growing weaker” overlap and trade the spotlight. They finally give way to “leave her, leave her, LEAVE HER” and a double time release of musical rage that feels well earned after the battle royale. It’s a haunting round, like one of those songs for kids you find out is actually very creepy-cool.
While the guitar and drums largely take a backseat to Ridge’s vocals throughout the beginning of the tune, here, combined with the overlapping verses, they sneak up on you. Like knights to support Ridge’s reign, the guitar reinforces the chromatic bass line and the accenting floor tom gives way to a full kit. It all leads to a pinnacle, badass musical interlude with some much deserved headbanging.
Through expressive vocals, all-encompassing bass lines, punchy drums, and guitar with a beauty that sneaks up on you, “In a Room” completes an ambitious and emotional quest to the bottom of a well filled with all the rage that “may be in full bloom.” It’s an entire adventure, without even needing to leave your room.
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