Benedict Benjamin airs beautiful ode to displacement, "My Feet Have No Need For The Ground"

02 December 2015, 10:00 | Written by The Line of Best Fit

(Tracks)

(Benedict Benjamin)

Simultaneously witnessing the gradual dissolution of both of your bands, losing out on sleep by working night shifts at two jobs, and enduring a tough spell with the one you love: such was the discouraging position Ben Rubenstein recently found himself in. Thankfully, this scenario initiated a new-found burst of inspiration, and led Ben to write his forthcoming album, Night Songs, to be released under the moniker of Benedict Benjamin.

Following on from ‘’Thin Skin’’, ‘’My Feet Have No Need For The Ground’’ is the second track taken from his new record, and exhibits the same strengths as that previous release. Like his recent touring partner Samantha Crain, Ben’s style of folk here is emotive and weighty, backed throughout by a simple, almost haunting musical arrangement. As one would expect judging by his resume, which includes indie-folk acts The Mariner’s Children and Peggy Sue, he is a considered artist, wasting not a note and ensuring a tautness throughout the entirety of the song’s play time. Admittedly, the track holds no tricks up its sleeve, though a mysterious aesthetic would do Ben no favours; he thrives as an artist who is direct in his delivery, an approach perfectly suited in particular to his vocals. Imbued with influences from psychedelia as well as more traditional folk and pop, it is the most definitive and important element to his music and makes this release a compelling, sensitive gem.

Born from an equally sensitive environment, ‘’My Feet Have No Need For The Ground’’ is an ode to the displacement he clearly experienced at the time, and is further proof that influence can, indeed, raise its head from the darkest of places.

Words: Ben Lynch

Night Songs is released on 25 March 2016 via Sugarcoat Records.