Ben Chapman – Feet On Fire
This artist comes across a bit peculiar vocally, but not quirky. His voice is perfectly suited for tunes like “Everything’s Different.” The showcase is penetrating like the singer-songwriters who stayed above the surface during the punk & new wave era. He uses his creativity wisely. Even a country-based “Out In the Country” rolls along with a catchy keyboard, steady beat & deep-toned guitar. He isn’t devoid of being genuine in the genre. While not exactly sounding like Graham Parker or Elvis Costello, he has the same attractive bravura in his tone. No one sounds quite like Ben.
There are 12 wooden matches stuck in the soles of his shoes that set his Feet On Fire (Drops May 22/Hippy Shack/43:37) produced by Grammy-nominated songwriter & producer Anderson East. The set is basically a transitional album & “All Day” is where Ben begins to let loose with some party music, a nice rollicking rocker with no false steps. However,…
Track 4 detours slightly into “Baby Blue,” a good enough tune that could have been a well-cultivated ballad. It’s sung & played well. But the cheesy electric keyboards don’t work — it should’ve been a warm acoustic piano. There’s nothing wrong with this lovely tune. Ben sings it with Billy Falcon (“Heaven’s Highest Hill”) muscle. The rest of the song, sans keys, was gourmet quality with a little too much salt.
“Feet On Fire” & “Don’t Give It All Away” both have a bit of a Crazy Horse feel without Neil Young. It’s nothing special or new, but if you dig a certain “mood” & “groove” with your rock music, these may be the tickets – both are filled with guitar akin to the late Danny Whitten (“Hole In My Pocket” — Barry Goldberg Reunion). The song titles are fairly simplistic, but it’s the music & performance that elevate their elementary titles. Cliches do reach out at times & get in the way of Chapman’s creativity. “You Say Jump,” (I say how high). Really? I thought this was the domain of people like Diane Warren.
So Long” is a good basic rocker. Nothing that makes a strong statement. Country direct, simple & yes, catchy. But with “Lucy,” Chapman turns up the funk barometer. While this isn’t exactly country-oriented, Ben proves his mettle with this style. Strong vocals, lots of musical voltage & wound tight.
Ben Chapman is a fine country artist. He has distinct ideas. There are a few missteps, but nothing that can be corrected with a pair of pliers. I like his music, his voice, & approach. From his straight country, pensive balladry & rockier swipes. At least he knows how to show some teeth when he performs.
Highlights – “Everything’s Different,” “Out In the Country,” “All Day,” & “Don’t Give It All Away.”
Color image courtesy of Ben’s Facebook gallery. CD @ Apple + https://www.benchapmanmusic.com/