Album Reviews
each song has an edge or a hook that draws your into its embrace (October 10, 2009)
‘Tiny Movements’ is the debut album from the economically
named Ben TD (perhaps he hates the surname or his parents disapprove) and it’s
not half bad. In fact if this recording is anything to go by he’s heading for
some serious attention.
Along with his name, there’s considerable economy in his
work, and some songs are concise to the point of austere, which is unusual as
he has an array of musicians joining him on the album. The ‘bare-bones’ song is
usually the province of the ‘man-and-guitar’ artist. But there’s no poverty in
this economy it’s more precise placing of lyrics and melody – each song has an
edge or a hook that draws your into its embrace.
The intriguingly titled ‘Yes I Am A Skyscraper’s Window
Cleaner’ has engaging lyrics and
 a memorable melody that appeal from the first.
‘Leaves’ is a song that offers an equally appealing approach that grows
stronger with each play. With ‘Books and Boats’ he has created a little nugget
of personal narrative that many will identify with – piercing lyrics and
sympathetic arrangement. ‘A Place Now’ is an appeal to make something out of a
future built around finding your own place. The title track ‘Tiny Movements’
takes you closest to Ben on his own and it works on all counts.
On ‘Tiny Movements’ the artist list is Ben (vocals, guitar,
piano, bass, percussion, keyboards) Calum Scott (drums, bass, percussion,
keyboards, programming) Mona Ray-Greig (backing vocals, harmonies) Michael John
McCarthy (accordion) Graham McGeogh (violin) Nicola West(cello) and Ali Downer
(guitar).
Clearly there’s much more recorded music to come from Ben TD and its
foundation in ‘Tiny Movements’ is there for all to hear.
Click here to return to the Album Reviews page
Powered by Create
|
