Ben Craven would describe himself as a cinematic progressive-rock singer songwriter. But “Revenge Of Dr. Komodo,” from his upcoming project Last Chance to Hear, doesn’t quite fit that description.
The listener, however, is not disappointed. Ben Craven is a solid vocalist and lyricist, yet on this track he lets his formidable instrumental and music-writing chops carry the day. How many progressive rock songs swing with wild abandon — recalling Yes and the Brian Setzer Orchestra at the same time?
Craven, an accomplished Australia-based multi-instrumentalist shines here, with raunchy lead guitar elevated by a Hammond B3 sounding organ foundation. The rhythm shuffle is danceable yet the main theme seems firmly rooted in the prog corner.
Is that Ben Craven on drums and bass too or does he employ his live band, the Section, to fill out the sound? No matter, as the tunes works to whet the listeners appetite for the full release of Last Chance to Hear. In the meantime, there are plenty of other examples of Ben Craven’s stellar work on his website, www.bencraven.com.
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