Broken
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The recording moniker of Benjamin Wright, as Benjamin Jayne he continues on with darkly tinted folk sounds, where psychedelia is present, as is Drew Skinner’s producing talents for these 10 cautious tracks.
The moody and emotive “A Million Miles” opens the listen with Wright’s deep voice alongside strategic drumming, and “Give Up, Don’t Give Up” follows with warm acoustic guitar amid the mesmerizing vocals that are poetic in an atmospheric sort of way.
“Love” occupies the middle spot, and flows with a rich quality that benefits much from Wright’s mysterious vocals that hit some pretty high notes, while “(Numb) I Can’t Feel A Thing” is a breathy album highlight that carries a cinematic quality that even soars high, too.
Landing near the end, “The Symbol” is packed with a gentle ambience that’s gripping in its textured haze, and “Good Night, Good Bye” exits with very pretty singing that radiates plenty of lightness.
Comparisons to Nick Drake, The National or even Elliott Smith are certainly warranted, as Wright’s brand of melancholy nearly seems like a refined science his very capable hands.
Travels well with: Miirors- Motion And Picture; Charming Disaster- Super Natural History