Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-03-15
Photo: Courtesy of Sam Bergquist
Today marks the official release of Sam Bergquist’s new album Devils & Doves, a rich and thoughtful collection of songs from the Boston-based songwriter and guitarist whose work continues to balance grit, wit, and a deep curiosity about the human condition.
Released March 13, Devils & Doves finds Bergquist exploring the space between light and shadow—hope and doubt, humor and heartache—through a set of songs that blend roots music traditions with a restless songwriter’s imagination. Bergquist describes his approach as writing “topical songs with a little levity,” adding that satire often feels like the best way to shine a light on heavier subjects.
Critics have taken notice. Marilyn Rea Beyer, host of Midnight Special on WFMT, praises Bergquist for having “a sharp eye and an ear tuned to the twists and turns people take,” while WBUR’s Noah Schaffer writes that the Boston songwriter “balances grit and whimsy” in a way that makes his take on roots music feel both grounded and inventive. Americana Highways’ John Apice describes Bergquist as “a musical explorer who challenges himself with every note and lyric.”
Across the album, Bergquist’s storytelling moves between sharp observation and quiet reflection. “Landfill” delivers a tongue-in-cheek jab at our throwaway culture, while “In a Box” leans into a lonely fiddle line and the aching desire to be heard. “Smoke” rides a playful groove as two lovers confront relationship confusion through a swirl of metaphor—smoke, water, and fire colliding in unexpected ways.
Elsewhere, the album dips into darker emotional territory. “Louisiana Lightning” unfolds in a rain-soaked café where old ghosts and unresolved battles linger just beneath the surface. In contrast, nature becomes a steady thread through several songs: “Redwood Tree” emerged from a hike in the national forest and captures a moment of stillness and perspective, while “Goin’ Out Walkin’” shakes off the digital fog with a lively mandolin-and-fiddle stomp. “Song on the Wind” offers a gentler meditation, comparing songwriting to casting a fishing line into unseen waters, waiting patiently for the right melody to tug.
Bergquist sees Devils & Doves as a reflection of his wide-ranging musical influences. “This album is a reflection of my interest in all kinds of music,” he explains. “I was lucky enough to have some wonderful musicians help me fold those influences into the sound.” The record closes with “New Day,” a warm and grateful love song that embraces life’s unpredictability while celebrating the simple joy of moving forward.
Devils & Doves was co-produced and mixed by Dave Westner and mastered by Jeff Lipton at Peerless Mastering in Boston, with assistant mastering engineer Costanza Tinti. The album is now available on streaming platforms including Spotify, with physical copies available directly from Bergquist’s official website.
Devils & Doves – Tracklist
Envy Blues – 4:03
Smoke – 3:37
Landfill – 3:28
In a Box – 2:18
The Rifle and the Dove – 3:27
Louisiana Lightning – 4:01
Redwood Tree – 3:28
Song on the Wind – 5:23
Goin’ Out Walkin’ – 2:36
New Day – 2:40
For more information about Sam Bergquist and Devils & Doves, visit
bergquistmusic.com.
