Samsa is the surname of the lead character in Kafka's famous novella 'The Metamorphosis'; in which travelling salesman Gregor wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a "monstrous vermin". The name kind of suits the Leeds three-piece, who have more indie seals of approval than any band should be allowed (John Peel, Steve Lamaq and Dance To The Radio have all spinned them). Like fellow grandiose Yorkshiremen iLiKETRAINS, they morph between the quiet and the loud at will. Except when Samsa are loud, they are very, very loud, creating a noise as big as the mountains of the record sleeve.

'To Conquer' begins gently, but quickly becomes as clamorous and intimidating as an invader on the warpath. Flipside 'Another Night' is a more subtle attack on the senses but even more spine-tingling, and still finds time to crush your eardrums in the middle. Minds will be changed and hearts captured with this lot.

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