Quick Brew Review: Ben Harper & Relentless7 "White Lies For Dark Times"
Ben Harper & Relentless7White Lies For Dark Times
This Ben Harper and his new band are rooted in old swampy blues. Quite a change from his introspective, soulful 2007 Lifeline with The Innocent Criminals. The chuggy blues opener "Number With No Name" signals the tone. The standout track "Shimmer & Shine" ignites with drum bursts bouncing between speakers. "Why Must You Always Dress In Black" is a southern rock jam with a nod to ZZ Top. "Keep It Together (So I Can Fall Apart)" is a down and dirty rocker featuring a guitar effect ala Lenny Kravitz's "Fly Away" along side a Hendrix wailing guitar. The band's blues rockers sprinkled around the album are tight and spirited. But they meander on slower songs like "Skin Thin", "Fly One Time", "Word Suicide" and "Faithfully Remain" leaving them flat. Maybe, next time he could split up the rockers with the new band and softies with the old one.
TRACKS ON OUR PLAYLIST:
LISTEN TO THE ALBUM:
REGIONAL TOUR INFO:
5/16/09 Chicago, IL at Vic Theatre
6/13/09 Manchester, TN at Bonnaroo
8/8/09 Chicago, IL at Lollapalooza
Enjoy, GB
DISCOGRAPHY (Studio Albums, 2000-2009):
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