Los Angeles - Ben Howard‘s quick success is well deserved. The British singer-songwriter’s performance at the El Rey Theatre on Monday showed off minimalism at its finest. His show is a model for how indie-folk should be presented — intimate, grabbing, and powerful enough to bring tears to the eyes. Though his latest album, I Forget Where We Were, (on Republic in the U.S. and Island elsewhere) has already reached #1 on the U.K. charts, many Americans have yet to hear this modern storyteller with the magical fingers. How sad for the ones left out in the cold.
Best New Bands’ former Featured Artist has the kind of music that makes any other relationship almost feel obsolete. His debut album, Every Kingdom, is infectious enough, but his latest compilation has words and strums that could coddle the loneliest fans as they fall asleep at night. It is the kind of music that keeps a solo driver company on a long ride home. Howard’s sound is so earnest that songs like “Time Is Dancing” make it seem as though he is holding your hand and dancing alongside you.
When he appeared on the spot lit stage, the musician that has blown away so many looked more like a California surfer than an award-winning modern folk artist. In actuality, it didn’t matter what Howard looked like. All that mattered was that he made it to his chair, gave a quick wave, and sat down to pour out his deepest feelings like a warm cup of tea.
With the drummer, keys, bass, cello, and upright bass’ surrounding him, Howard delivered an ultra-sensitive 90-minute set. Howard’s black guitar blended into his garb, making its neck stick out like a fifth limb. When he wasn’t singing of time passing and the lessons of love, he bit his lip and leaned over his strings— the strings that he plucked and strummed so effortlessly atop electronics. Is this what true love feels like? Because it seems like Howard only has eyes for his instrument.
The crowd certainly felt affection for him. They respected the artist in front of them; along with an admiration Howard got that evening brimming on a Beatles-esque sort of fanfare. Screams of “I love you” were constant and notes were tossed onto the stage while he sang, with eyes closed, “What is in your nature/
Looms inside your blood / Hold me in harms wake baby.”
The highlight of the night was the performance of the eerie, humming “In Dreams.” It is a haunting song, weighted with echoes — sort of like how a miraculous dream echoes in mind for days following. Even if other songs like “All Is Now Harmed” and “Conrad” are great, it is this song that separates Howard from his peers. It was astounding how he moved so fast and so gently on his guitar. The minutes of “In Dreams” were so perfectly delicate that I feared it could be shattered as easily as the hopes he described.
Howard’s performance last year at Coachella Music Festival was good. It was light and free in the desert dust, but it was far from memorable. It was a sing-along and it seemed like his first album would be the peak of his success. Now it has become clear that Howard is handling his career with the same care that he does his fans and live renditions. He has already reached great heights, but isn’t done challenging himself and pleasantly surprising his fans.
Ben Howard is currently on a world tour. If you’re hoping to go, best hurry, as many dates are already sold-out.
Ariela Kozin
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