23 Dec 2024
Dudley Benson - EP Review: Muscles
13 Jul 2015 // A review by Andrew Smit
Music in its many forms can conjure many feelings and
atmospheres, it can induce a subconscious desire or dream, and be a welcome
escape from reality, well I can tell you I found listening to Dudley Benson's Muscles EP a dreamy trip indeed, he has created a tantalising and atmospheric
sound that draws you in and opens your ears and your mind. It’s quite tantric
and surreal, a journey that is pleasant and enquiring.
The EP contains 4 versions of the first single Muscles from the forthcoming album Zealandia, with one other reworked song from a previous release I Lost My Voice, each track offers a sophisticated modern sensual soundscape with melodies and gentle rhythms that are fluid and clean. Amongst all this atmospheric sound is a very expressive and tender vocal performance from Dudley, a very brooding and clear voice, reminiscent of a soulful Michael Jackson no less.
With three remixes of Muscles for you to enjoy you may think it could be overkill, the changes are subtle, but each have their own flavour and feel showing the talent and desire of Mr Benson to experiment and delve into broader soundscapes. If you think there is nothing new out there then have a listen to Muscles and experience Dudley Benson's distinctive sound for yourself and I am sure you will agree that it delivers a tantalizing prelude to the forthcoming album Zealandia.
About Dudley Benson
It was Benson's 2008 debut album The Awakening however, that announced his musical arrival in a subtle yet profoundly distinctive way. Deeply rooted in Benson's native Canterbury, the album weaves forgotten local stories, the Southern landscape, New Zealand's colonial past and personal history into an emotionally stunning song cycle. A testament to loss, the passing of time, and populated by ghosts from Benson's memories, The Awakening is also playful, redemptive and uplifting. Three years in the making and featuring choir, harpsichord, string and recorder quartets, the album was a critical success.
Its status was further confirmed by a breakthrough nationwide tour of New Zealand's most beautiful churches with Benson and his choir and string quartet accompanied by karanga manu authority Dr Richard Nunns. Following the 2008 tour Benson composed a choral piece for Barbara Morgenstern's Wassermusik festival performance in Berlin.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Dudley Benson
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