The Rascal Is Back
Simply Fantastic, 2023
8/10
The singer-songwriter Ben Bostick is back with a 5th studio album, and it’s one that’s big, loud, fun and certainly captures the energy of his live show.
The title track starts the listen with plenty of playful twang, where crisp drums and the warm telecaster suits Bostick’s humorous singing, and “You Can Leave In The Morning” follows with finger snapping and cozy acoustic guitar that’s breezy and melodic.
Further on, the thumping Heartland rock of “Big Train” flows with some grit amid the harmonic vocals, while “I Don’t Care” takes that lead a step further punk/Ska rock that welcomes dreamy background vocals and mesmerizing guitar.
Deeper yet, the bouncy bass from Cass Faulconer on “Come Back Home To Me” complements the frisky drums from Jack Jones on the driving country rock, and “I Remember Easy Street” exits with a genuine intimacy that comes with a nostalgic and calm demeanor that seems like it might end a long night at the bar.
Some of these songs have been in Bostick’s arsenal for years, and they fit in here fluidly. He’s again joined by his collaborator Kyle Lalone (guitar, backing vocals), plus several other familiar faces, for a diverse, quirky and really charming body of work.
Travels well with: Matt Hillyer- Glorieta; The Shootouts- Quick Draw