New Horizon - Ben Reel Band Album Review
Ben Reel
Album Review
When it comes to making classy albums, Ben Reel's your man. Year on year, Reel's songwriting is growing in stature in every department, yet he still doesn't get the wide spread recognition he richly deserves. No doubt, he is a truly major talent. New Horizon continues to show his strength in depth and versatility. There's a distinct air of confidence on this superb album which might carry it forward. In reality, Reel is Ireland's best kept secret, though lead -off single Waitin For U, if it's not still floating around the major playlists, may go some way in bringing him a bigger audience. Having endlessly listened to it on holiday, New Horizon, his fifth album, there's much to admire here. Song wise,( there's plenty for the musos and general audience ), it's one of the strongest albums this year. This CD isn't just music ;it's art. Reel found his inspiration in books The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying, Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee and Synchrodensity, with a view to getting the listener to nurture the spirit and inner-self as opposed to looking for fulfillment in material gain. Heavy stuff maybe, but beautifully packaged. This inevitably renders Reel a svery serious musician. Unquestionably, here's here to stay, but he might just need a ' hit' to keep him on the radar.Finding an actual niche is often difficult, though an 'Americana' tag is inevitable due to the Stateside influences, particularly the open track and Westcoast, but it doesn't end there as there's a blusey hint now and again, found on harmonica drenched and dirty rocking Hell In Ur Own Head ( shades of Dire Straits ) which has scintillating solo breaks, and wholesome country / R&B rocker All Souls Alive which draws on the raw edges of Springsteen.The Boss seems to have also influenced delightful ballad Lonely Ship too. In sharp contrast, track 5, Orbit, proves to be the most gorgeous of the lot with dreamlike backups by Julieanne Black. Vocally, Reel himself is also tested.
I defy you not to fall in love with this song.A slow steady beat carries For U & I, allowing Reel's cultured vocals to meander, and some deft harmonica give it a boost. Meet U Again has definite shades of old skool 70s Soul, carried by neat harmonies, backups, wah wah's and understated electric solos.
Sound of The West resurface on the title track, which magnificently create the dusty soundscapes via brilliant harmonica, and the best vocal performance on the disc. A stripped down and simple ballad When The Summer's Gone effectively closes a real gem.
Collectively, Reel ( harmonica / acoustic guitar) Ronnie O'Flynn ( bass) Mickey McCartney and John McCullagh ( piano / keys ) Julieanne Black ( backups /percussion) prove to be quite a formidable outfit.
Their rootsy, no frills approach and overall production only serve to enhance the musical delivery and final product.
