Ben de la Cour has released his fifth album, New Roses, earlier this month on Jullian Records -- however, the album wasn't necessarily an intentional project, but the culmination of his artistic creativity.
"I didn't even set out to make an album," de la Cour says. "But I started recording these songs on GarageBand with one microphone and this second-hand synth I bought, and then it sort of evolved that way." de la Cour plays every featured instrument on the album except for fiddle and trumpet.
Having lived in London, Cuba, and Brooklyn before moving to his home in the America South, de la Cour specializes in a sound he calls "americanoir." There's some southern gothic, some folk, some heartbreak, but ultimately, there's beauty.
His second track and May single, "The Devil Went Down To Silverlake," features Elizabeth Cook and showcases de la Cour's signature smoky vocals. His hearty voice is complimented by hard drums and distinct fiddle from long-time collaborator Billy Contreras. The track plays more to his southern gothic side, and makes the term "americanoir" most evident.
Another notable track comes in at five with "We Were Young Together Once," feeling like a fading memory. de la Cour seems to struggle to see good for the future, but tries to hold on to the beauty of the past. He lets his softer voice flow through with the meaningful lyrics in arguably the album's most underrated number.
The final song and title track, "New Roses," features Misty Harlowe and is a nice foil to "The Devil Went Down To Silverlake," as de la Cour displays his musical duality. His tender vocals bring a ponderous, philosophical message; "Caught between the earth, the midnight sky, and some kind of eternity." The titular and closing track presents his deep and existential thoughts to the forefront.
de la Cour will be performing July 23rd in Madison, Wisconsin at The Bur Oak, and he'll be featured at the Philadelphia Folk Fest in August.
Photo Credit: Andy Muscroft
Listen on Spotify
No comments:
Post a Comment