It seems a very long time ago since Rhythm & Booze marauded around the Midlands in it’s previous paper format, in those days the R&B team could often be found lurking around the various venues of Birmingham, seeking out the best live acts and local performers. In those humble times before child care, work comitments and adulthood really took hold you could find me waxing lyrical about the recent weeks discoveries and who was next on the agenda to checkout. Chance sightings often became firm Rhythm & Booze favourites, from that rauccous punk band to the stripped down folky we’d lap them all up.
On one such outing we stumbled across singer-songwriter Ben Calvert, a stunning poetic songwriter who blended timeless melodies with infectious hooks and lyrical genius, he quickly became a real favourite and back in those days we often crossed paths soaking in his wonderful wares. Times pass and along with the majority of the acts from yesteryear I lost track of Ben, with the closest sighting being a name on a flyer, so you can imagine my thrill when the man himself got in touch regarding his new album and band.
Since last I saw Ben Calvert he’s pieced together The Swifts, recorded an album and performed with everyone from Hannah Peel to the thrilling Admiral Fallow along with an appearance at this years Moseley Folk Festival alongside the likes of Willy Mason and The Villagers to name a few. Ben has also received plaudits from the likes of The Fly and Virtual Festivals among others who have all picked up on his timeless sound, classy lyrics and woozy instrumentation.
Festive Road is Ben & The Swifts debut album (though Ben has previously released a couple of brilliant solo albums) and I have to say it’s a stunning collection of melancholic post-folk and classic English story telling all wrapped up in a blanket of strings, organ and piano. Ben possesses a croon that brings to mind the likes of Neil Hannon (Of Divine Comedy) or Scott Walker, whilst the music ranges from sparse and stripped to near orchestral as The Swifts weave a majestic spell.
The album opens with the gorgeous string-laden Paperbox, a spellbinding short folky number that sets the mood for the delights ahead, the interwoven strings and strummed guitar create an intoxicating sound from the off, whilst Ben’s delightful vocals captivate the listener further. From there the band offer up the equally spellbinding autumnal hymn, Where The Wind Blows, beginning as a stripped down, acoustic led ode, bfore the sweeping strings pepper the mood to create a spirited, passionate lament.
Everybody Loves Lucy was chosen as the albums lead single and it’s easy to see why national radio picked up on it’s effortless charms, the clever, quirky lyrics and infectious vocal refrain wouldn’t sound out of place on the aforementioned Divine Comedy’s greatest hits, it’s a delightful piece of tongue in cheek pop complete with a whistle along middle section and a nod to Birmingham musical mecca The Hare And Hounds.
Elsewhere Ben offers up a piece of Smiths like dark romanticism in the shape of Popstar Sits Alone At Home Crying Eating Hobnobs, contagious Barrett like take on psych pop blues on the harmonica and bicycle bell assisted Valpoicella Girl, heartfelt harmony assisted folk on Meet Me ‘Mongst The Leaves, upbeat bluesy piano on Landing On My Feet Again and gorgeous restrained horns on the beautiful swooning title track.
Festive Road is a mesmeric, enchanting affair, where nothing is rushed and each song is allowed space to grow and develop. The Swifts deftly compliment Ben’s aching croon and poetic musings, framing and showcasing a master craftsman at his very best. Ben Calvert & The Swifts have delivered a true timeless masterpiece that’s just waiting to be discovered, it’s good to have you back.
Rhythm & Booze Rating 10
www.bencalvert.com