It’s been nearly a year since the debut of Ben Howard’s Every Kingdom album and less than that introducing the young Devon, UK native to American audiences. But already the evidence of his success is clearly visible. The more obvious signs are his sold-out gigs and teams of Ben fans cropping up on social media, not to mention his debut album, which has been nominated for a Mercury Prize. The less obvious signs are those pointing to his part in bringing attention to more acoustic forms of music back into the mainstream.
I almost never categorise music forms and Ben Howard is no exception. Folk music isn’t a bad label, but it’s largely insufficient to describe what you’re likely to hear from artists like Ben. His music is too broad and deep to fit neatly into a single category, perhaps broader even still for him to accept the title of troubadour. I originally had this thought when I saw him the first time in March at SXSW. But I was acutely aware of this fact during tonight’s performance at the Chicago’s Vic Theater, where his sound was far more intense, electrified, brash and louder than ever before. This is a sonic mix that is sure to attract wider audiences and greater acclaim.
The evening started quickly, jumping from Burgh Island to Black Flies to Old Pine, as the fans at a packed and nearly sold-out Vic politely sang underneath his lyrics with some reservation, sounding more like a close echo than a party sing-along. Black Flies drew huge cheers, however when Only Love started those cheers gave way to fan participation that was even more boisterous. Ben’s infectious groove had gig goers unabashedly singing, clapping along, but the excitement quickly died back down as Ben traded guitars and a new round of rolling chords set the tone for a new mood. He kept the air alive with his rolling chords and voice as he had the audience swaying and stomping to his every rhythm.
The New York Times aptly put it stating that Howard’s sound is “…the legacy of John Martyn, Bert Jansch, Nick Drake and Tim Buckley, one that has been updated lately with the rock dynamics of bands like Mumford & Sons.” That’s high praise, for sure, but the addition of ‘rock dynamics’ only describes half of what makes Ben so unique as a musician and composer.
He has an innate gift of stitching emotional maturity into his music — a gift that is largely matchless among his peers. He draws you into his stories pairing verses to his reedy, ocean worn voice before punching hard from the diaphragm into a chorus. And underneath it all is a signature percussive and rhythmic guitar style (akin to the style of the late Michael Hedges) that is so much more than a backdrop to his storytelling, but a symbiotic and supportive element that creates just the right atmosphere. Where the songs deliver the greatest sense of emotion, Ben has listeners diving headlong into his melancholic seas where absolution is a matter of perspective — specifically his.
The band is truly endowed by the presence of multi-instrumentalists India Bourne and Chris Bond. India’s gritty and haunting cello tones provide smoky backbone to music’s arrangements and her own vocal harmonies are a perfect layer as well. Chris pulls multiple duties, principally on drums and occasionally on vocals and bass. Together this core group commands a wider sound with lush symphonic undertones and a polyrhythmic urgency that sparkles with energy and brings the deeper tones of his lyrical content to life.
Whilst some of Ben’s songs might be knee deep in the gloom, more often than not they do find satisfactory if not cheerful resolutions. Such was the case again tonight. Moving from Wolves to Keep Your Head Up, the set hit its peak, delivering a foot stomping affirmation.
This is music that remains firmly affixed in your mind long after the performance. You can hear the lush orchestrations, the harmonies, and percussive playing in your head long after the show has concluded. In his own right, Ben serves as a central figure for acoustic music as his success paves the way for other talented artists like the Stavs, Marcus Foster, Abby Wade, Laura Marling and many others. We can also hope to see India Bourne on a solo tour sometime in the near future.
Get out and see this incredible act. It’s simply one of the best shows on tour right now. Ben is currently wrapping up his US Tour with a West coast swing before returning home. If you’re a surfer, you just might find him on a California beach in the coming week.
Upcoming Shows
Tue, 2 Oct The Neptune, Seattle
Wed, 3 Oct Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver
Thu, 4 Oct Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Sat, 6 Oct The Fonda Theatre, Hollywood
Sun, 7 Oct Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA
Tue, 9 Oct The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
Fri, 12 Oct Austin City Limits Festival, Austin, Texas
Black Flies from BBC Sunday Night Sessions
Old Pine Official Video
Only Love from David Letterman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKG3VcNY6Ws
