I was captivated by Benny Walker when I heard his single “The Fool” a few weeks ago. Now that I’ve had the chance to listen to his latest album Through the Forest in its entirety I’m completely enamoured.
The title track is such a stunning introduction to this album. It feels epic and important, forcing you to sit up and pay attention. The following track, “Time,” sees the album settling into a gentler groove yet Benny somehow does that without losing intensity. It feels so seasoned, remarkably so for just his second album. Every song is exquisite and expertly crafted, so it’s so hard to pick favourites. But I loved the soulful sexiness of “Don’t Cut Me Down,” with its brassy instrumentation and Benny’s effortless falsetto. “No Refunds,” a song of longing for a love gone wrong, nearly brought me to tears.
They just don’t make music like this anymore. Through the Forest reminded me of a great album from an artist the calibre of Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, or Tom Petty. It has such a cool blend of rock, country, blues, and folk. My only complaint is that at just nine songs, it felt over far too soon.
Through the Forest is released on March 6 through Black Murphy Records. Remember that Benny’s supporting the album with the following shows.
7 March 2015 – Moama Bowling Club, Moama
13 March 2015 – Twilight at Taronga Zoo, Sydney (supporting Dan Sultan)
27 March 2015 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
28 March 2015 – The Arnhem Club, Nhulunbuy
9 April 2015 – Skukum Lounge @ The Junk Bar, Brisbane
10 April 2015 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
12 April 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
18 April 2015 – Suttons House of Music, Ballarat
19 April 2015 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
24-26 April 2015 – Mount Beauty Music Festival, Mount Beauty
1 May 2015 – Beaches Hotel, Thirroul
3 May 2015 – Rhythm Hut, Gosford
6 May 2015 – Mothers Milk, Sawtell
10 May 2015 – Redcliffe On the Murray, Pinjarra
Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity