Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter and composer Ben Lear brews some fresh folk tunes in his debut album, Lillian: A Folk Opera. Released last June 14, 2011, this 14-track collection was described by the Los Angeles Times as “an edgy, experimental folk opera blending acoustic guitar songs with percussive chamber and orchestral music”.
The album kicks off with a 55-second opening track that technically sets the chill-out ambient mood of the collection. Title track Lillian follows with saccharine guitar play ups and poetic verses that are hard not to fall in love with. Ben’s simple delivery blends well with the subtle build up violin solos and steady drum beats.
Maintaining the pure folk aesthetic, Imaginary Friends showcase steady acoustic arrangements and Dylan Nichols’ earthly vocals. Scuba Lessons, on the other hand, traverse the more upbeat avenue by inclining more on rhytmic drum beats.
A three-part sonic project, Underwater Sounds (The Introduction, The Instrumental, and The Medley) is an instant goldmine for those looking for melodies that would war and calm the senses. In Underwater Sounds- The Medley, Ben Lear and Dylan Nichols‘ voices blend flawlessly transporting you to ethereal soundscapes.
Adding a bit more funk, It’s A War focuses on deep tones and guitar to roughen up the ambient scene on the first half of the album.
An instant favorite, Show Me Love is an dangerously infectious track with hooking tunes. Lap Steel and Guitar Play-ups adds a charming flair with the vintage-sounding vocals.
In Lillian: A Folk Opera, Ben Lear has braved the waters to stretch and maximize the potential of folk music, producing sonically great tunes that’s purely original.
Related Links:
Ben Lear’s Website
Ben Lear on Facebook
Ben Lear on Twitter