Up until now, Ben Reynolds‘ solo albums have been a mixed bag.
Drone orientated pieces with titles like ‘O Time Thy Pyramids'(on ‘O Joy & Beyond) or ‘The Bard’s Vision Over Stinking Fires’ (on ‘Silver Songs’) left little doubt of his skills or his experimental intentions but somehow lacked a real heart, coming across too often as exercises in style rather than genuinely expressive.
They are interesting and sporadically striking works but Reynolds’ personality seemed strangely hidden.
This cannot be said of his beautiful new album – ‘Two Wings’ out now on Strange Attractors Audio House.
Ben hasn’t abandoned the drone or the Psych elements but the record sounds more integrated and personal.
Over five extended instrumental pieces,the Middle-Eastern and Indian Raga improvisations follow the path of Robbie Basho and, more recently, Sir Richard Bishop.
His accomplished playing helps give the record a balance and consistency lacking on his previous releases.
It’s yet another indicator of the ‘New Weird’ sound stretches way beyond the American borders. artists like Reynolds, Rob St John , Tisso Lake, James Blackshaw, Richard Youngs and Alex Neilson – all based in Northern England or Scotland are proving the movement has a thriving heartland in the UK.
