What does it sound like?:
Ben Watt’s second album, since he relaunched himself as a solo act with 2014’s Afterword appreciated “Hendra”, is a low key delight. A band nucleus comprising Watt on vocals and guitars, Bernard Butler on grungy folk rock guitar plus rhythm section have created an acoustic rock sound which has been captured in old school fidelity doing odd things like all playing together in the studio and having songs of heart which build and flex as their mood develops. There’s great use of texture and arrangement, old woozy synths drift across the soundscape and the whole thing wouldn’t have sounded out of place in the Island catalogue in 1971. Ben’s vocals have never sounded better – with EBTG he always suffered, popping up next to one of the greatest pop voices these islands have ever produced, but here he comes across all gruff, passionate yet still understated. The title track is a great example – a 70s arrangement with blurry sounding bass and drums, a catchy cyclical guitar riff, slapping congas and a big lifting chorus.
What does it all *mean*?
It means Ben’s avid listening to artists like John Martyn, Tim Buckley and Richard Thompson, merged with his indy pop sensibilities, have succeeded in coming up with a brew which satisfies mind and body alike. For an 80s boy he has recreated 70s folk rock with an emphasis on the rock with aplomb.
Goes well with…
Goes well a spot of Nick Drake followed by “Solid Air”.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Fans of aforementioned 70s icons, EBTG follow on activity lovers (though it rarely sounds remotely like them), those who like a late night whisky and a listen tinged with a side order of introspection.
I found Hendra good, undoubtedly good, but a wee bit sort of anonymous. Has this got any heavier a personalised footprint that might keep the songs in the head a little bit longer? i have fought off buying in case I listen to it, enjoy it and forget it.
I think it’s heavier in mood and sound than Hendra – sort of denser, more intense.
Good review, @Twang in that it made me want to hear more. I loved him on the wonderful Sodajerker podcast, and EBTG were an obsession for a good few years. For whatever reason, his solo stuff has passed me by. Your timely review will prompt me to rectify that mistake.
I think it’d be right up your street Niall
Spot on review Twang – if nothing else this is a fab sounding album. Definitely a grower for me – I needed to give it a few go’s before it released its magic. As with Hendra Bernard Butler adds wonderful sympathetic support – one of the great geetar players IMHO.
I think this is a very fine album.
I had my worries last year when Ben supported Ron Sexsmith at the Festival Hall and played nearly all new songs (which seemed a bit strange as Hendra was hardly that old) and I didn’t think there was anything too impressive in that set. I needn’t have had any concerns as Fever Dream is not just an excellent follow up to Hendra, but I think surpasses it.
I really like Between Two Fires and Running With The Front Runners.