Old age suits Ben Folds Five. Sure, bassist Robert Sledge might be borderline obese and drummer Darren Jesse’s best chorus (‘Brick’) is turning 15 this year, but the chemistry that made Ben Folds Five pertinent and fresh in the 90s holds strong through 2012. Folds is the focal point – his songs still sharp and his keen observational eye intact. The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind might be the trio’s wisest record, and sees Folds sometimes-curmudgeonly doling out the advice he used to dig deep inside in search of. You’re not going to find a ‘Brick’ or an ‘Army’ here – but what you will get is something thoughtful, poignant and totally charming. Bring a pen and take some notes.
Sony
4/5
Reviewer: Max Quinn