Former frontman and distinct vocalist and songwriter Benjamin Andrews continues to grip indie listeners, with the launch of his emotionally bold and beautiful soul-rock and blues-fusing EP Reborn.
Beginning with a huge soundscape and a powerful melodic progression and story, Chasing Lightning has the makings of the Americana soul and blues singles that made impact in recent years from artists like Teddy Swims and Rag N’ Bone Man. The voice is raw, the recording honest, the backdrop blending electric guitars and Gospel layers. However, Benjamin Andrews’ appeal is something of an independent realism – not purely about the vocal power, but more about the sentiments, the journey, and the euphoria of that hook and crescendo.
It’s a massive introduction, and it sets the bar well for the multi-layered boldness and brilliance of Reborn.
Next we move into a carefully paired piano and electric guitar ballad of sorts, as Finding My Way gets all the more vulnerable, evolving from uncertainty to optimism in another inspiring blend of melody and lyric. The chorus is immense as ever, the soulful conviction genuine, and something like Elton even comes through in the tone and nuance here. The genre varies, but the voice and structure hold closely to the Reborn etiquette and intention.
This piano and electric guitar guidance is a cornerstone of the project, and that grounds things with Benjamin’s voice in close contact. For Night Sky Sonnet we continue the embrace, but now there’s a hint of nineties soft-rock akin to 3 Doors Down, and after this, a softer ballad set-up lets No Looking Back double-down on the empowerment and overcoming that feels inherent to this concept and quest of being Reborn. A touch of Hozier to the styling of song, but still that now remarkable value and depth that is the authenticity and impact of Benjamin Andrews as an emotionally enthralling singer and performer.
“The best is yet to come.”
Creatively there’s something completely different about Unbreakable, a hint of chaos countered by calm, reflections on the opinions of others and the true worth of the self in driving towards a dream. The genre is suddenly progressive rock or rock opera – intense and unpredictable, theatrical and poetic; ‘Every scar’s a lesson that I wear with pride.’ The whole EP is big, in passion and presentation alike, but this feels like a real moment of performative prowess and relief – a true turning away from the toxicity of the past.
Finally, Benjamin Andrews brings together all shining lights of Reborn, for a closing and title-track that’s revealing and poignant, poetic and simple yet striking. Short lines draw us into the grip of darkness, before move up and away into the bliss of possibility and wonder.
‘I will rise above the storm’ is familiar and uplifting as a chorus, and the melody and arrangement, the piano and guitars, all switch perfectly to the optimism and positivity required to resolve this journey and turn the page for a brand new chapter.
A fine collection of songs, all impressively connected by concept and character, but also versatile enough to make this a nostalgic and hopeful project, from an independent songwriter and musician whose approach blends skill and substance to a compelling degree. Well worth escaping into this season.
Find Benjamin Andrews on Instagram & YouTube.
