In Print  Home  Directories  Reviews  Get In Touch  Forums  Links  Gig Guide  

Ben King: Ben King

Goldenhorse guitarist Ben King graces us here with a solo effort that is not a million miles away from the well crafted, slightly askew pop of 'Riverhead’, the band’s excellent debut from last year. Recorded over a two year period the songs are all King originals except for a cover of the Enz’ One Step Ahead, which, coming as it does in the middle of proceedings adds little more than a distraction from King’s own work. Tightly arranged, his songs move from upbeat power pop to gorgeous ballads and feature lush harmonies, jangling guitars and his own vulnerable vocals. At times the songs move into country/folk territory aided by the judicious use of acoustic guitars and pedal steel, while Godfrey de Grut’s electric piano adds that organic 70’s feel. Throughout King has fashioned an extremely enjoyable first album of grown up pop in the vein of say, Elliot Smith or Josh Rouse and in doing so has provided a perfect companion piece to the Goldenhorse album.

Related Information