On only the most rare of occasions do I find myself in love with music! In his debut mainstream effort, Sirens, Melbourne based singer-songwriter Ben Abraham offers a collection of songs that are beyond captivating.
There is a depth to Abraham’s music that taps into something inside of the listener. Sirens falls into the category of cinematic folk music, and the entire record is so beautifully constructed that it is impossible not to lose yourself in each and every song. Every word is utterly thought out, with lyrics so poignant, poetic and emotive that I am certain that Shakespeare himself would be proud to have written them.
The standout effort on the album has to be ‘This Is On Me,’ in which Abraham duets with American singer-songwriter, Sarah Barellies. It is an enchanting song describing the aftermath of a romantic relationship, with both parties blaming themselves.
‘Somebody’s Mother’ is another extremely noteworthy song about family reconnecting over the loss of a mother. It is a deeply touching and emotional song in which you become caught up in the story of how the subjects have lived their lives since the loss. Reminiscent of artists like Leonard Cohen, ‘Somebody’s Mother’ is a fascinating exploration of lives lost and found.
‘Time’ is another beautiful song that in many ways is a simple exploration of the passing of time, and how it changes us.
The title track ‘Sirens’ is a short introductory track in which we meet a character who runs to a sound he believes can lead into a new world, only to discover they are in fact only sirens. I feel as though Abraham plays to his strengths on this track as the entire album is a new space or plain, created only through the use of sound.
An independent album, Sirens is by far the standout album (in my opinion) of 2014.
10/10 (easily)
Reviewer: Mark Henderson