Ben Ottewell // Shapes and Shadows
Ben Ottewell - Shapes and Shadows.
If you’re a Gomez fan then you’ll already be familiar with the gravely yet honey coated tones of singer/guitarist Ben Ottewell. For those of you not familiar with the aforementioned band, think of a slightly less gruff Eddie Vedder, singing beautifully melodic indie tunes. Unsurprisingly, Shapes and Shadows isn’t too dissimilar from a Gomez record and I mean that in a good way. When an indie band member makes a solo record because they want to explore their love of jump-up drum and bass or something similarly out there, you’re generally left with an un-listenable pile of turd. Thankfully, Ben has broadly stuck to the Gomez blueprint and crafted a compelling collection of songs that simply ooze out of your speakers. My only minor quibble is that at nine tracks long, it’s all over a bit too soon. Still, better to put out a top quality selection than pad it with inferior material. If you’re a Gomez fan you should definitely give this a listen and even if you’re not, give it a chance anyway as this album exudes class.
8/10 Jimmy James
