Following on from the single of the same name, Benjamin Andrews kicks off the final quarter of 2020 with an album of originals designed to shine light amidst the difficulties of life.
The aptly-titled Silver Lining is a bright and beautiful playlist, showcasing Benjamin’s raspy Americana vocal style and songwriting alongside engaging, organic soundscapes that draw you in with ease. If you’re missing positivity, and indeed the live scene – this album has your back.
Got To Believe is all of this and starts things off on a powerful high. Complete with electrifying guitar solos, an explosive final third, and an overall addictive sense of possibility and optimism, the song reintroduces the Benjamin Andrews sound and style in a manner that’s easy to love.
An unmistakable Far Away From Home follows, a personal favorite, and injects a reflective, poetic alternative energy, and a more vague, contemplative mood that quickly reminds you of the versatile nature of Andrews’ writing.
As the project goes on, we’re gifted as much in the way of stunning musicianship as originality and creative expression. No More Apologies throws in some stylish acoustic guitar flickers, and a near-metal-like vocal that works in unison with the European flavor to tip its hat to Breed 77’s The River.
We also get a touch of shoulder-swaying, piano-led swagger and warmth in the form of Stormy Waters – a moment that shines further light on the unique nuances of Benjamin’s voice. This is followed by a pop-rock classic that is the infectious and memorable Nothing’s Made to Last.
The unforgettable rock anthem Silver Lining also makes a welcomed appearance at the half-way point. The contrasting softness and thoughtful depth of Living Free follows and adds a compelling touch of story-telling, acoustic build-up and melodic resolve to the playlist.
Other highlights include a hook-heavy Washed Up On The Shore, an unexpected, briefly reggae-kissed and soulful A Thousand Miles, and a raspy, rock-ready Hazy Days – a song that builds up and resolves beautifully.
Throughout Benjamin’s lyrics, there seem to be both personal anecdotes and all-inclusive references to what it is to be human. His use of poetry and scene-setting in unison makes for a series of originals that connect and entertain all at once. Furthermore, the musicianship is superb, the guitar-work in particular, along with the melodies and progressions, and of course, Benjamin’s born to perform vocals.
Just Like Poison ends the collection with a dramatic and heartfelt look at life and the prospect of tomorrow. A powerful anthem once again, and a great way to bring things to a close.
There’s also the bonus single to come afterwards, and this one again throws in a touch of the unexpected. Here we get jazz vibes, plenty of hi-hat, an in-the-moment story and a vocal swagger that highlights all the more so how eclectic Benjamin’s style is – without ever veering too much away from his sense of identity.
