Ben Howard: Revert to enjoyed comforts or continue to go against the grain?

Ben Howard Live on Jools Holland

2018 marks the 10th anniversary since 31 year-old English singer/songwriter Ben Howard released his first set of original music. Out of this has come, two BRIT awards, Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello nominations all off the back of his debut album Every Kingdom (2011).

The Devon resident with a huge international and particular following has this year released his 3rd studio album titled Noonday Dream after a dry spell of 4 years since I Forget Where We Were (2014). The tone of the album was very subtly set with the music that beautifully flowed out from his project band A Blaze Of Feather, consisting of much of Ben’s band.

This year’s progressive and poetic album has received much criticism from around the globe as being “monotonous and self-interested” from publishers such as NME. Then again, you have to take in to consideration the sold out shows on the tour and the demand for an additional London O2 show added in January.

Ben Howard - Live At Lollapalooza Berlin 2018

If you follow the unique artist on Spotify, you would have been treated to extra releases that were not featured on the album recorded in both the South of France and South-West England plus exclusive, unreleased records currently being played live on the European leg of the tour. Though being undoubtedly mysterious, bone-chilling and atmospheric, many long-term fans support Ben Howard’s new sound but call for him to return to his stripped-down acoustic trio set up.

Though the man from Totnes may be going through what many have called a “blip” in his successful and intelligent musical journey, time will tell what will come next for the fans loyal to the intimacy he shares through his art.

Get involved and tell us what album vibe you preferred and vote in the poll below.

 

Noonday Dream album cover

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