Hendra

Musician, DJ, radio show host, and author Ben Watt is truly a man of many talents.  Known across the world as one half of Everything But The Girl (along with his partner in both music and life, Tracey Thorn), his new solo venture, Hendra, marks something of a rediscovery of the folk-rock roots of his formative years.

Opening with the gorgeous title track, this album possesses a warm, intimate quality to it. Surprisingly, between duties with his main band and his DJ work, this is only his second solo album in 31 years – one inspired by personal events in the musician’s life.

It’s disconcerting at first to hear Watt sing unaccompanied, as Thorn was always the main vocal focus of Everything But The Girl. However, it is a voice that charms and envelopes the listener.

Production-wise, the creative process behind the scenes shines through, namely how Watt wrote the album by going into his basement late at night, working on this collection of songs such as ‘Golden Ratio’, ‘The Gun’, and the fragile ‘Matthew Arnold’s Field’.

Ably assisted by ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler and producer Ewan Pearson, the greatest strength of Hendra is how he explores life’s rich pageant in all its many forms.

The standout track would have to be ‘The Levels’. A haunting, melancholic slow-burn, it features an unlikely musical partner in the form of legendary Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, providing guitar and backing vocals.

Hendra is a deeply personal, impressive release from a hugely talented artist.

Listen to ‘Hendra’ from Hendra here:

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