Wow, where did this beauty come from?
Just 66 likes on Ben Ruegg’s Facebook page and little all else to go on. Also, a clichéd title like The Journey using the image of an open road meant I wasn’t expecting much.
30 seconds into opening track The Start and I am clicking on the download button on Spotify
It sounds like early 30 Seconds to Mars and Ben has a brilliant voice. I don’t know who else is playing on here or if Ben is another Dave Grohl and played everything himself, but this is exceptional.
The next track The Dream is a trippy blast, the kind that made a career for Filter in the Noughties. It soars and drives while the vocals sandblast the canvas laid smooth by the chugging guitars.
The Angel is a heart on the sleeve anti-ballad that places the lyrics at the forefront.
Ben knows how to craft a song. Seriously if you have read this far, you need to check him out.
Huge choruses, a delivery that avoids bullshit and screams honesty and even though I generally hate guitar solos, they are nailed perfectly. The Angel is going to be a favourite when played live.
Finally at the end of The Journey EP (if Ben can do clichés this well, I will join him) we have The End (told ya).
This is a mid-paced sing-along that would make Shihad proud.
Honestly, I wrote this review from mid-way through the opening track - spilling my thoughts as I was listening. It took 10 minutes. It was exhilarating. A blast. I didn't have to think about it. I felt it. That is rare.
Ben Ruegg who are you? Where did you come from and how the hell has your profile page only got 65 likes?
Get on this people. Ben Ruegg needs to be everywhere. Honestly, what a blast! You should like his Facebook Page.
No apologies for a short review. Enough said. Listen to this EP and you will understand.
Ben Ruegg is a musician and song writer. Growing up in South Auckland with his parents eclectic taste of music, combined with his own love of all types of music, by age 12 Ben fell in love with creating music.
In 2010, Ben released his debut EP The Road which was recorded during his time studying Popular Music at the University of Auckland.
Later, he founded the band Channeled and is now actively working with youth teaching music.