Music

Dutch singer/songwriter Tim van Berkestijn, aka Benny Sings, has carved out a niche for himself with his evocative, 70s-influenced brand of soft rock, something he further champions on his seventh album, 2021s Music. His second record for the Stones Throw label, Music follows his equally vintage-inspired 2019 album, City Pop. Where City Pop found him drawing inspiration from the 70s and 80s brand of Japanese pop referenced in the albums title, Music is more stylistically broad in tone, touching upon breezy yacht rock (Sunny Afternoon), symphonic disco balladry (Break Away), and even hip-hop-infused R&B (Here It Comes). Helping bring Berkestijns distinctive sound to life are his bandmates, including vocalist June Fermie, keyboardist Adam Bar-Pereg, bassist Bram Wassink, and drummer Colin Lee. Together, they frame Berkestijns laid-back vocals in organic, sun-dappled arrangements that just keep drawing you closer. In the past, Benny Sings has collaborated on tracks with artists like Rex Orange County, Cornelius, Mayer Hawthorne, and others. Music continues this collaborative tradition to delightful effect, showcasing guests like British guitarist Tom Misch, who lends some fuzz-tone accents to the Doobie Brothers-ish Nobodys Fault. Also engaging is the Steely Dan-sounding slow jam Rolled Up with Mac DeMarco, and the Todd Rundgren-esque Run Right Back featuring Cautious Clay. Berkestijn conjures Bee Gees Saturday Night Fever-era vibes on Miracles with singer Emily King. While 70s and early-80s pop informs all of Music, theres still something contemporary and deeply sincere in Benny Sings songs. Hes a quirky indie rocker drawing upon his vinyl heroes for inspiration and reassurance. As he sings on the title track, Music, help me through this, whenever Im down on the floor. ~ Matt Collar

『City Pop』以来となる約3年ぶりのニュー・アルバムにはトム・ミッシュ、PJモートン、マック・デマルコ、エミリー・キング、プム・ヴィプリットら豪華ゲストが参加。いい意味で変わらないAOR～ヨット・ロック、もちろん近年のシティー・ポップ・ブームにも通じる内容で、全体的に肩の力が抜けており、陽のヴァイブスを感じ取れるのがいい。ベニー自身が楽しんでいるのも伝わってくる、まさに〈音楽愛〉に満ちた作品だ。
bounce (C)赤瀧洋二