Benjamin Folke Thomas: Copenhagen (CD on Louvaio)

Band: Benjamin Folke Thomas
Label: Louvaio
Title: Copenhagen

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Band:Benjamin Folke Thomas
Title:Copenhagen
Reviewed By:Steve Kinrade
Date Published:03/04/2017

Label:Louvaio
Format:CD
Release Year:2017
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'Copenhagen' is my first introduction to the musical world of Benjamin Folke Thomas, and in some ways it seems to be akin to gently pulling open an old C.S. Lewis wardrobe, and peering through the crack…Repeated listenings, as when your eyes adjust to the darkness, reveal much beauty and musicality within.

This ten track offering is the third album from the Scandinavian Troubadour and it certainly contains an eclectic selection of compositions, varying from themes of Americana alt-rock to the more personal, and the vast majority highly successful.

The album kicks off the arch 'Good Enough for Me', which is lyrically depreciative and contains a lovely “hey hey, my my” hook, reminiscent of Neil Young, that drives the song. As an opening track it certainly delivers in gaining your attention. After this promising start, the album’s quality is, however, slightly diluted by some tracks which seem to play on the safe side, and sound slightly stock, lyrically, musically and from a production viewpoint. A fine example of such a lapse would be 'Rhythm and Blues', which although a sound up-tempo track, seems to be a notch below.

Lyrical high points are, however, 'Good Friend Again', which highlight Thomas’ rich baritone voice, as he intones on his own personal confession, and 'Safe and Secure', a treatise on emotional well-being and the uncertain nature of relationships. 'Bad News' is another successful track, well produced, and especially pertinent for today’s media platforms - a pity it wasn’t entitled 'Fake News' to really hone in on the zeitgeist. 'Copenhagen 30/6' is another stand out track, which sees the production team of the Swedish Folk Mafia raising the bar again. 'Hold On' is a timely side-swipe at the old order – musically or politically, who hang onto status and privilege, whilst they continue in their self-serving ways. Read the lyrics, and you will get the picture. Another delicious irony is that musically, it’s a foot tapper. It would have made a great video to have all Thomas’ targets line dancing to it. 'Struck Gold' and 'Gimme a Smile' complete the album, from melancholic analysis to the sly resignation of the realisation that the brief relationship was all that it ever was.

'Copenhagen' is a very good album, and it will certainly grow in your affections over repeated listening’s. But it hints at what is to come from Benjamin Folke Thomas, of the musical and lyrical landscape that we will be led into and encouraged to explore. Mr Thomas has proven himself to be a reliable guide to his own personal Narnia. And I expectantly look forward to his next offering.

Track Listing:

01) Good Enough For Me
02) Rhythm and Blues
03) Good Friend Again
04) Finn
05) Safe and Secure
06) Bad News
07) Copenhagen 30/6
08) Hold On
09) Struck Gold
10) Gimme A Smile

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Related Links
https://benjaminfolkethomas.bandcamp.com/
https://plus.google.com/102330443728360717812
https://twitter.com/BenFolkeThomas
https://www.benfolkethomas.com/
https://www.facebook.com/benjaminfolke.thomas/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAmqGgieveSeRLBEJF9vxQ

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Eclectic and thought-stimulating third album from Swedish singer-songwriter Benjamin Folke Thomas

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Copenhagen - CD
Eclectic and thought-stimulating third album from Swedish singer-songwriter Benjamin Folke Thomas

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