NEVER BEN BETTER: Indie-folk singer-songwriter Ben Howard (above) delivers with his newly released sophomore album, “I Forget Where We Were.” While his slower-paced style is somewhat monotonous, Howard’s foray into more moody music, completely juxtaposing with his usual upbeat work, is so emotionally impactful that it completely makes up for his few pacing issues.
By Emma Lautanen
Staff Writer
Indie-folk artist Ben Howard reminds the world of what raw musical talent truly sounds like in his new album, “I Forget Where We Were.”
Howard’s sophisticated instrumental skills, melodic voice and poetic lyrics capture the true art of a solo performance and provide a darker contrast to his previous work. While some of his tracks are slow and become dull, it is hard to deny the genius behind “I Forget Where We Were.”
Howard was raised in England and was inspired by musical influences, such as Van Morrison and Simon & Garfunkel, from a young age. The young artist self-released his debut EP, “Games in the Dark,” in 2008. Since then, he has released four more EPs, his first major studio album, “Every Kingdom,” and now his sophomore studio album, “I Forget Where We Were.”
Howard is known for his unique fingerpicking style, called “pick and go.” This intricate method, along with an extensive use of alternately tuning strings, sets him apart from other musicians. His myriad of instrumental techniques plays into his complex yet soothing musical style.
Howard is known for being a laid-back musician, but the tracks on “I Forget Where We Were” display a newer, darker side of the generally optimistic artist.
The album has many highlights, most notably the way in which Howard develops his style while staying true to his tried-and-true instrumental skills and calming vocals. The main standout is the album’s title track, “I Forget Where We Were.” The full sound and emotional lyrics showcase Howard’s newfound depth as a singer-songwriter. The tracks “Time is Dancing” and “She Treats Me Well” are two more examples of Howard’s ability to beautifully mix poetic lyrics with relaxing melodies, illustrating his prowess over all things musical.
The only drawback of the album, and Howard as an artist, is his over use of slower melodies. Many songs on the album, such as “Conrad” and “All is Now Harmed,” are too slowly paced to compete with faster-paced modern pop music. Even though these tracks, like “End of the Affair,” hold a depth of emotion rarely found in any song on the radio, one must look past any superficial requirements for what a popularly accepted song entails and realize that slow music like Howard’s still holds an impressive, original flare.
“I Forget Where We Were” displays the perfect blend of Howard’s musical maturity and instrumental skills. There is raw talent found in both his technical capabilities and depth of emotion. Although some tracks may be too slow for the average listener, audiences must look past his pacing issues to focus on the rarity of his musical gift.
“I Forget Where We Were” is available digitally and in retail for $11.99.
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