Ben Howard

Heavy coats and shops shuttered for the evening characterise the quiet of an approaching winter, with the freezing air creeping into every corner and past the protective layers of clothing. Walking down the steps to the Ruby Lounge, the chill and the lack of lighting suggested this was the same everywhere in Manchester, yet belied the energy and fervor inside the venue.

The tight crowd emanated energy that met you at the door, created by a cocktail of drink and anticipation for tonight’s entertainment, Ben Howard. One of the latest troubadours to produce upbeat, unspecific pop-folk, Ben has recently been propelled to relative fame through a combination of word of mouth, savvy marketing and quite enjoyable music. Like other fast-track acts that quickly gather a horde of ultra dedicated fans, he is no different; Ben Howard certainly has a following in Manchester.

Accompanied by India Bourne on cello and Chris Bond simultaneously on bass and drums, Ben Howard is touring his first studio album on Island Records: Every Kingdom. The trio step onto stage to be met by rapturous applause, he only has to play the first note before the crowd is spasming in delight. However after finishing the song and greeting the crowd properly, he seems calm and unassuming, in stark juxtaposition to the audience.

This brand of acoustic folk blended with pop is nothing new, but he does it well and the music speaks of numerous influences. While for the most part keeping in the vein of Joni Mitchell and John Martyn, there are pangs of Fleetwood Mac. The combination of his rapid strumming with the deep tones of the cello brings a Celtic quality to the sound, sounding more similar to The Pogues than Mumford and Sons. Evidently a competent musician, the interplay between the various instruments is impressive, creating interesting rhythms and catching harmonies, though I distinctly get the impression that crowd may miss some of the more delicate qualities of his music, albeit for positive reasons.

In fact the gathered mob is the aspect of the gig that most stands out. Every chorus he reaches is met with a huge cheer and applause, which while appreciative and atmospheric, seems obsequious and random. People aren’t even put off by the fact that in the excitement of hero worship, he seems to have lost all ability to enunciate any words clearly.

That said, I challenge any music lover to not behave in the same exact way as the crowd tonight with their act of choice. Ben Howard gives an epic performance, playing for an hour and a quarter at least, with vibrancy and enjoyment. He has managed to navigate tricky waters, getting a pleasing balance of cheesy but catchy songs, interesting but inclusive lyrics and confident showmanship without hubris. He will be around for a while yet.

 

Ben Howard Website