This week I'm going off the grid again for a man I'm proud to consider a (long distance) friend. Ben Draiman, originally of Chicago, has spent the last four years performing and working on his music in Israel and has started putting out some fantastic recordings. Yes, for those who know the name, Ben is related to David Draiman of Disturbed. I mention this hesitantly because it never fails to come up when I discuss Ben with people, but I want it understood that comparisons should stop with the name, because the music is entirely different and any attempt to equate the two with such distinct differences in style would be an insult to them both. Now on to the review...
It needs more tracks! This is not a negative as "Apathy" is technically an EP, and I can still get more by listening to the live album ("From Within"), but I'd like very much to hear more studio recorded tracks out of him. "Soon Enough" gives a strong start to the EP, with a nice piano-rock vibe. The majority of the album is in an acoustic style, with piano music through-out. A lot of the songs have a slightly sad feeling to them, but not in a depressing way. Rather, the album is trying to give the listener a hopeful nudge, telling us that, "No, life isn't perfect, but if you take the time you have the power to make it so much better". Overall, I'll give the album a 4.5/5 which is pretty dang good for a first release. My favorite tracks currently are "Soon Enough" (The main rock track), and "Would you know love?", one of Ben's piano only tracks, giving us a nice chance to appreciate his range without a lot of distractions. You can check out his Bandcamp for his singles http://bendraimanmusic.bandcamp.com/ , or shoot him a message and order the full EP and live album. Either way you're supporting good music. Cheers all.
Tracklist:
1. Soon Enough
2. Apathy
3. Headstrong (Live)
4. Would You Know Love?
5. Taken For Granted
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