Among The Faceless Crowd
Simply Fantastic, 2020
10/10
Listen to Among The Faceless Crowd
Now a family man living back in the south, Ben Bostick’s 3rd album has the troubadour delivering sincere songs with a working class spirit where he plays nearly all the instruments.
“Absolutely Emily” starts the listen indebted to classic country sounds as Bostick’s moving pipes guide the warm opener, and “Wasting Gas” follows with folk ideas amid the soft and expressive atmosphere.
Further on, “The Last Coast” adds some grit in Bostick’s rootsy formula, while “The Thief” finds balladry in its gorgeous delivery that’s as timeless as it is emotive. “Central Valley”, one of the best of the best, then recruits incredible finger picking as the vivid storytelling aligns well with the introspective climate.
Towards the end, “Untroubled Mind” brings a swift pace of Americana to the upbeat affair, and “If I Were In A Novel” exits the listen bare, where a glockenspiel adds much to the eloquent finish.
Bostick’s mature, universal song craft draws parallels to legends like Springsteen and Cash, and there’s little doubt that Among The Faceless Crowd will resonate through the decades much like the aforementioned legend’s best work. Yes, this is that good.
Travels well with: Austin Lucas- Immortal Americans; Dawn Landes- My Tiny Twilight