Album review: BEN REEL – Darkness & The Light

April 3rd, 2013 by GRTR! HQ

Release date 22.04.13

You never quite know what to expect from Ben Reel. Over his previous 5 studio albums he’s touched on rock, soul, blues, alt-folk, Americana and even indulged in a little reggae.

His new album, his first recorded and produced in his own home studio in Co. Armagh continues to keep fans on their toes – the opening title track is a monster with a wonderfully soulful funky indie groove.

But sadly the album doesn’t stick with that killer theme. ‘River Of Time’ sounds like Dire Straits meets Chris de Burgh (which is better than you might think), ‘Watershed’ brings the Big O to mind, while ‘Heart Just Won’t Fail’ is heavily reminiscent of the Mersey’s ‘Sorrow’ (covered by Bowie on ‘Pin Ups’).

‘Before Your Time’ echoes The Boss (with a hint of Dylan) in storytelling gospel mode, ‘Counting Down The Days’ continues in the same theme but takes a more Van The Man bluesy perspective and is another highlight, while ‘You’re Not Alone’ returns to the Big O theme.

‘Flickering Light’ has soulful groove with some lovely slide guitar work, ‘What Is Done’ is another bluesy number, while’ Could Have Done’ is The Eagles crossed with Springsteen tripping down the West Coast. The closer, ‘Our Father’s Sins’ is simply anthemic.

Recorded digitally, but with an analog warmth, ‘Darkness & Light’ might, on face value, seem a little derivative. But the truth is, it immediately has the comfort of an old jumper, and on each subsequent listen begins to sound more and more like the best knitwear in town. ****

Review by Pete Whalley

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)