Ben Wells and the Middle Names – House, Come Home (10/04/2012)
With the release of their debut EP House, Come Home, Hobart locals Ben Wells and the Middle Names let us know exactly what they can do. Their mix of song from upbeat rock n roll numbers through to the stripped-down final track, bring together the sounds that this band plays during their shows into a polished EP.
The opening track and first single, Robin Hood, is a step up from their usually chilled out music with an upbeat pop sound. The lively bass line and the rock and roll drum beat complement each other well, creating a playful base to the track. The mix of Ben Wells and Hannah Foley’s vocals bounce off each other and add to the fun atmosphere. The song is topped off with a decidedly catchy riff that contrasts with the vocals and bass while still bringing the song together into a polished and well-planned track.
They return to their pop-folk style with the second track, My Dear Summer. The mix of acoustic and electric guitars create a big sound in their layered harmonies. The track plays like a classic summer song with the lyrics singing of a summer romance and waiting for love. The piano brought in during the first chorus builds throughout the song finishing it off on a rather masterful note.
Sinners brings this release to a close, with a stripped down track of vocals and guitar. This track plays with the darker intensity showcased in an earlier track A Good Read, but is re-worked to create a more raw sound. Without the support of the bass, drums and piano, this track builds its own intensity through the lyrics and Ben’s vocals. This contrasts with the rest of the EP and works well to bring the CD to a close on more subdued note.
As a debut release for Ben Wells and the Middle Names, House, Come Home certainly works well to bring in listeners both new and old to the band. The EP covers the range of music that the band indulges in over their live shows, while adding a polished finish to raise their music to the next level. With such a great start for the band, I can’t wait to hear what they have in store for us next.
Bethany Williams
The opening track and first single, Robin Hood, is a step up from their usually chilled out music with an upbeat pop sound. The lively bass line and the rock and roll drum beat complement each other well, creating a playful base to the track. The mix of Ben Wells and Hannah Foley’s vocals bounce off each other and add to the fun atmosphere. The song is topped off with a decidedly catchy riff that contrasts with the vocals and bass while still bringing the song together into a polished and well-planned track.
They return to their pop-folk style with the second track, My Dear Summer. The mix of acoustic and electric guitars create a big sound in their layered harmonies. The track plays like a classic summer song with the lyrics singing of a summer romance and waiting for love. The piano brought in during the first chorus builds throughout the song finishing it off on a rather masterful note.
Sinners brings this release to a close, with a stripped down track of vocals and guitar. This track plays with the darker intensity showcased in an earlier track A Good Read, but is re-worked to create a more raw sound. Without the support of the bass, drums and piano, this track builds its own intensity through the lyrics and Ben’s vocals. This contrasts with the rest of the EP and works well to bring the CD to a close on more subdued note.
As a debut release for Ben Wells and the Middle Names, House, Come Home certainly works well to bring in listeners both new and old to the band. The EP covers the range of music that the band indulges in over their live shows, while adding a polished finish to raise their music to the next level. With such a great start for the band, I can’t wait to hear what they have in store for us next.
Bethany Williams