Ben Weaver - The Ax in the Oak (Album)
There’s something appealing about Ben Weaver’s sixth studio album The Ax in the Oak, but what that something is anyone’s guess. I’m starting to think that I might be really coming around to it, but I can’t put my finger on why. I’m not sure why I keep choosing to put it on; I’m not sure what makes me want to keep coming back; I’m not sure what it is that makes me really enjoy it; and I’m really not sure why I’m; A) asking people if they have ever heard of Ben Weaver (which I might add, the response is generally a resounding “No”), and B) telling people they should go out and listen to this album, (to which the response is generally; “Ok, what’s his name again?) but I am coming back, again and again and upon every listen enjoying more and more. Clearly this album is having some unknown, profound effect on me, and again; I’m really not sure why, but I’m not minding in the slightest.
It’s not like this album is anything that original or new, but at the same time it is. It has a strong musical feel of alternative, electronic folk, but at the same time, its nothing of the sort, it is an incredibly difficult album to pin-point stylistically. I keep trying to liken his voice and lyrical talents to that of someone else, but for the life of me, try as I might, I can’t work out who. So, I’m coming back around to the conclusion that maybe this really is an original release. I have toyed with the comparison to that of the old (pre-arrogant) Eels and E’s bittersweet, optimistically depressing tones coupled with simple yet instantly addictive music, but that comparison only lasts for so long, before it just seems ridiculous – at least the overall tone is comparative.
The album offers twelve tracks, all of substantial quality, and to be honest there are no duds, it’s the kind of album where if you simply like his sound and style you will like the whole lot. It’s soft, soothing, melancholy tones present a true atmosphere within the music and an atmosphere in which one would find hard to complain about. These are songs which don’t follow the usual progressions of verse/chorus/verse, instead they opt for a more complete overall whole breaking down the distinct contrasts of a “verse” or a “chorus” they instead simply flow in a completely harmonious way. They offer a unique take on song writing and cover diversities and unnoticed pleasantries in life such as; birds, alligators and owls, phone booths, empty parking lots, strangers in the checkout line and plastic bags stuck in trees. It’s oddities and subtle beauty layered within are just so enjoyable and so oddly addictive it’s attractive.
Even though this album is consistently strong throughout, it does still have it’s fair share of stand out tracks. Opening track White Snow is a pretty basic progressive electric guitar driven song with a beautifully structured strings section and intriguing tongue in cheek lyrics, whilst Red Red Fox is a more subtle musical track allowing the vocals to drive the song. Anything with Words utilises an acoustic guitar for the opening, and cranks up the distortion for the middle sections making for an interesting contrast and exentuating the simple but pretty story being told, all that coupled with beautiful female backing vocals, this song is an emotional maze of music and quite possibly the best on the album. Pretty Girl goes a little electronic, with an electronic sounding keyboard driving the song with all sorts of effects and sounds. It’s different from other songs on the album but it fits in the same way as Crazy Aunt Flow just fits into any family wedding, and all the guests are better for her being there.
I really want to recommend this album to as many people as I can. It is truly a fantastic album. It’s not one to be listened to every day, but it’s one that suits and would fit snugly in anyone’s cd collection – just waiting for the perfect time and place for a spin. I understand many will not know the name; Ben Weaver, and that may make some sceptical, but in this case, it’s a name fans of good music should remember and look out for. I for one am now off to try and find the previous 5 albums; I don’t know how or where, but on the strength of The Ax in the Oak I have become positive I won’t be let down.
