Venture Electric (Album)
|
Venture Electric - Venture Electric
|
|
REVIEWS AND ARTICLES
| NZ MUSICIAN OCT/NOV 2005: Venture Electric: Venture Electric. This album is really a solo project from Auckland-based multi-instrumentalist Benjamin Somerville, with a little help from his friends. Released on Powertool Records and produced by HDU and Dimmer collaborater Dale Cotton, it begins well with the languid Heather Nova vs Johnny Cash. Sometimes reminiscent of bands like The JPS Experience, there are plenty of good ideas on this album. Strange Way has a great verse with an interesting tremelo guitar hook and Wonder is dark and menacing with evocative lyrics. Unfortunatley Somerville fails to develop these ideas; often opting for long drawn out guitar instrumentals where a chorus might have been more fitting. I struggle to imagine where this album fits into the local market. I'd describe as alternative pop, and Somerville is blessed with a classic pop voice, but the songs lack those all important pop sensibilities. Andrew Healey |