Inspired by sci-fi and dystopian motives, the sophomore album from Samoans is here.

After releasing their award-nominated debut Rescue in 2014 and tirelessly playing a number of shows, including tours with No Devotion and Kids In Glass Houses, Samoans are finally ready to unveil their new album.

The conceptual sophomore record is titled Laika, after the legendary Soviet dog that became one of the first animals in space as well as the first animal to orbit Earth.

The first track, Second Tongue more or less sets the mood for the whole album: the sound itself is not heavy, although the atmosphere sure is.

Gloomy dystopian themes are prominent in the majority of songs, including a more light-hearted Satellites and Patience, which was released earlier this year and gave us a taste of what to expect.

However, you can hardly make a judgement by listening to just one or two tracks. While the sound of Future Ghost and Terra doesn’t stray too far from the debut, the Welsh band really did experiment with instruments, arrangements and styles. So many influences can be heard throughout, including grungy Nirvana and Nine Inch Nails as well as more melancholic Radiohead and Portishead.

Laika is a truly diverse record that explores the relationship with space and science. It may leave the listener feeling slightly unsettled: where are we going as a species?

Moreover, hearing these new songs live may well be a whole new experience, so don’t miss out!