Benjamin Bear
Lungs
Seattle, WA
Recorded and mixed by Mychal Cohen | Produced
by Benjamin Bear | Unmastered
The relationship between Benjamin Bear’s drummer Stern and
pianist/vocalist Cohen creates the atmosphere for the oddly
titled Lungs in which song titles seem to inhabit
the air like smog floating above a background of
uncomplicated music. The voice of the narrator
does not always stay on pitch, but that drives the
curiosity and desire to interpret the lyrics.
To say this release grabs attention would be
untrue. The record sort of pushes the listener away
like a whiny girlfriend who demands too much, but
if enough attention is paid the vocals mellow out
and the lyrics remain to grind against the brain.
At first listen, songs like “Russ” may turn people
away, but by the time the mellow “Station Rest
Release” starts, a peak hits and listeners will
either continue the journey or get off the ride.
Whining vocals turn into a kind of yearning
feeling expressed through lines like, “All I wanted
was love from you”; a simple, almost trite,
supplication that has no choice but to hit home
with a wide audience. The prose in the lyrics calls
for the most attention if the listener delves
deeper into the psyche of the songwriter.
Experience Lungs as an attempt to connect to those
communicating with their inner most demons and
fears, which may just be universal. The unleashing
of air from lungs may connect the passion of a duo
dreaming in real time. (self-released)
-Ellen Eldridge
myspace.com/benjaminbearmusic
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