• Released: 29.12.2007
• Plays: 57
• Label: PhasingHz

• Released: 29.12.2007
• Plays: 27
• Label: PhasingHz

Artist Review

29/12/2007 By Chris Archer

Ben MattinsonI‘m kicking back and relaxing down at Appleby’s Centre 67 again. This new youth club is in for a treat tonight - another debut. Ben Mattinson and Joe Mason are tuning up in preparation for their first double-act together. I’m enjoying the growing sense of expectation along with some really tasty pizza and rosemary fried potatoes. I know some of Ben’s music from his debut album Rooms, and I know we’re in for a good show.I didn’t realize then just how good it was going to be. Simply put, it’s the best live performance I’ve yet seen - Ben is one of those rare and wonderful musicians who sound as good live as they do in the recording studio. Joe Mason’s backing was spirited and flawless and the pair interacted with a natural grace and fluidity that made the synchronicity look deceptively easy. The music was punctuated with amusing commentary that counterbalanced the serious nature of many of the songs and lent the whole musical experience a valuable intimacy. Both lads are from Carlisle, Ben started out on drums at 13 and moved on to guitar at 15 and then to singing his own songs at 16. Formal musical training and Church involvements have nurtured and polished his talents. The Ben & Joe hook-up was due to a Church connection - proof if anyone still needs it that the Good Lord does perform wonders.Though just 17, Joe is professionally trained and already becoming a well experienced and versatile public performer. He supported really well and his career will be worth watching.Ben identifies Duncan Sheik as his main musical influence and stresses the importance of alternative melodies, originality and uniqueness in his own music. All but two of the songs in the set are originals penned by himself and in my opinion they were better than the covers. Though Ben’s rendition of Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby really made it his own - and as he pointed out with a disarming wink, she probably didn’t write that one.Ben’s guitar work complements his voice brilliantly - the whole effect is complex and intelligent, sensitive and forceful.It was a very powerful set, but I have favorites, the following songs are outstanding:Sunrise Town - a delightful song inspired by The O.C. TV show’s theme tuneBreathe Your Fire In - a passionate and gnostic hymn, and beautiful music in its own rightandThe Monkey Song - a glorious, joyously playful and very catchy exploration of the simian conditionThis brief favorites list gives some idea of the range of expression and variety of Ben’s musical themes. If you missed this concert - and too many people did, don’t worry there’ll be more where this came from (INSERT DATE & VENUE). On one level Ben provides excellent entertainment value and if you care to look deeper then you’ll find treasure in the lyrics. It takes courage to bare your soul this way, and as religious awe is contagious, Ben’s music may be more powerfully persuasive in its subtlety than an army of fire and brimstone preachers.I don’t usually beg, Ben. But this time I will - please consider combining your calling as a youth worker with your heaven sent musical gifts. Public fame may be a means to some fine ends.