Album Review: whatever helps you sleep at night - SAMSARA.
New York-based alternative-rock band SAMSARA. is firing on all cylinders. Formed in 2019, the five-piece group consists of lead singer Dylan Trif, guitarists Charlie Lomonaco & Brendan Sandhovel, bassist John DeVito, and drummer Ben Bustamante. They’ve spent the last several years perfecting their craft through local gigs, widespread touring, and several solid single releases under their belt. Their debut album whatever helps you sleep at night hit music-streaming services on January 27th, 2026, and is truly a product of hard work and dedication. Read our track-by-track review below!
“mrs. porter“ - Video by Karen Larkin (@karenannlarkin_)
Track #1: mrs. porter
We’re starting strong with this one. As someone who’s been shooting photo & video for the band for just over a year, I’m no stranger to this track. “mrs. porter” was always a standout song to me, and I am over the moon, as many fans are, to have a recorded version of this song! The guitar intro is absolutely captivating and is sure to make for a great introduction at their album release gig (more on that later!). The song speaks to themes of no longer recognizing the love you once knew, with Trif singing about twisted blames and being shut out despite attempting to be let in.
Track #2: can you not stay any longer?
The second track blends upbeat instrumentals with sorrowful lyrics, something SAMSARA. has mastered over the years. Feelings of abandonment are discussed with lines such as “How can you cut them knots straight in my face? But you left me with no warning”. In his vocals, Trif expresses the sentiment of comfort and safety with your person, and how confusing it feels to have it end so suddenly. “can you not stay any longer?” provides great buildup for some of the heavier, faster-paced songs to come.
“so far gone” - Video by Karen Larkin
Track #3: so far gone
If you’re looking for a new song to blast in the car, this is it. I absolutely love how heavy the drums by Bustamante are in this one! The chorus packs an insane punch with vocals from Trif as well as backing vocals from Lomonaco. “so far gone” speaks to that feeling of your partner not recognizing your needs in the relationship. A lyric that particularly stands out is “I served my time, you can’t ask me if I’m wrong. Put down on my knees, kicked me out into the streets.” This song perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to give everything you can, and despite your best efforts, you are not met with the same empathy and care. The energy is turned up to one-thousand all throughout, and the echoing vocals of Trif’s final words, “I’m so far gone,” are a sentiment that everyone who’s listening can relate to.
Track #4: talking to a stranger
Classic indie-rock fans are gonna love this one. Lyrically, this is one of my favorites on the whole release. SAMSARA. lures listeners in with lines such as “My mouth is stapled tight… Your eyes could stab with a knife, I could bleed out and forget.” With short guitar strums throughout, adding to the track's catchiness, “talking to a stranger” is bound to play in your head all day. The band is really shining through in their instrumental sections as well, especially on this one. I can’t wait to hear this in a live setting!
lexi - Video by Karen Larkin
Track #5: lexi
“lexi” goes HARD. I’ve always said it’s criminally underrated! You know it'll be a good night when this one makes the setlist. Just over two minutes long - short and sweet - it’s one of those songs that you instantly hit repeat on after it ends. Trif amps us up with lyrics such as “This dirty air I’m breathing, I’m really fucking screaming.” The track perfectly contrasts the other songs on the album. I better see some real moshing to this one at the upcoming gig!
“how do you say my name?” - Video by Karen Larkin
Track #6: how do you say my name?
The tried and true SAMSARA. fans are familiar with this one - it is undoubtedly one of their best. “how do you say my name?” was originally released in the summer of 2024, and is the perfect single to be included in their debut album release. It is stunning lyrically, vocally & instrumentally. The build-up towards the last minute, with the pleading of “Julie won’t you teach me” repeatedly, is absolutely brilliant.
Track #7: i’m alive!
This quickly became one of my favorites! “i’m alive” is particularly reminiscent of work from the Ireland-based band Inhaler, a group that SAMSARA. has spoken of drawing inspiration from. The bass playing by DeVito is super solid here, and works very well in combination with the extremely fast-paced drum rolls by Bustamante, and overlaid guitar riffs from Sandhovel & Lomonaco. A solid listen through and through!
Track #8: restless nights
“restless nights,” while still upbeat, is one of the calmer tracks on the album and helps slow us down as we near the end. The backing vocals are dream-like, adding to the overall captivating tone of the song - reminding me of songs such as “Saigon” by Luke Hemmings. I love the irony they speak of, with restless nights being the only thing that can clear their minds. Great writing on this one!
Track #9: everest
What a beautiful way to conclude the album! I’m a real sucker for songs with a gradual buildup. I think it was a great choice to keep the first minute of the song to just Trif’s vocals, with a singular guitar in the background. Trif’s work is particularly stunning here - this is NOT an easy one to sing! It feels triumphant, despite the heart-wrenching lyrics, almost like a bittersweet end to a movie. “everest” is a clear product of the maturing that they went through whilst making this project. Top 3 songs on the album for sure!
Overall, whatever helps you sleep at night is an absolutely brilliant body of work. Each member’s influence can be heard and blends to create the perfect sound. The album feels truly authentic to them and is undoubtedly just the beginning for SAMSARA. I cannot wait to see where this release takes them. I’m grateful to have met them whilst working in the scene, and can say without a doubt that they are some of the most down-to-earth, hardworking fellas out there. You can hear the album in full on Thursday, January 29th at the Mercury Lounge in Manhattan. Doors open at 9! You do NOT want to miss out!
Purchase tickets to the show here!