The album is the follow up to, "America'd".
I am told that, "Super Brain", was supposed to be Ben's debut album, around nine years ago; but he chose not to release it back then.
Anyhow, now finally released for all to hear, I must say it's a step up from "America'd".
Again I must warn you that traditional prog it is not; but if you like all forms of rock music, as I do, there is a lot to enjoy on this album.
Once again the songs are mainly about Ben's opinions on politics and consumerism and this time around you can definitely hear the Zappa influences.
Opening track, "Young Turks", could have been left over from his previous album, and if I found the tracks on middle section of this album too short, my only criticism is that this one is a little too long.
Enjoyed "I Married a Prostitute" and "Baby Mother" with the lyrics of the latter being oh so true in Britain today.
As I said earlier I found tracks 4 to 6 a little short in length; but even so they certainly get Ben's message across. Love the guitar squeals on "Cadaverism".
"Fist", is the most commercial track on the album and I certainly enjoyed this one as did I the Rush styled "De Profundis" with it's guitar and haunting keys.
"Dark Grey Matter", has some great bass and guitar work, great stuff.
The final two tracks "Deo Gracias Anglia" & "Cloaca Maxima" seemed a little bit complexed to me; but then after several plays they became very addictive.
This album is certainly better than, "America'd", and Ben's brand of music gets better and better.
You must play this album several times as the complexity of the songs require more than one listen to make a judgement.
Ben is certainly an accomplished guitarist and I cannot fault the production and humour on this album.
I must say I admire people like Ben as, even though I really love traditional prog, he is not afraid to break the norm and take prog several steps further.
Would be interesting to hear Ben play his music live.
What next?, only Ben can tell us this; but I am quite sure that he will continue to play, compose and record his unique style of prog.
The 12-track album can be purchased, digitally or on CD, HERE.
01. Young Turks
02. I Married a Prostitute
03. Baby Mother
04. Consumerism
05. Militarism
06. Cadaverism
07. Fist
08. De Profundis
09. Count To Twelve
10. Dark Grey Matter
11. Deo Gracias Anglia
12. Cloaca Maxima
For further information please visit...
www.bensommer.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment