Nine heartfelt tracks out of Norwood.
Debut album from south London alt-folk group Bennett Valuks. Ian Bennett and Benedict Valuks’ website describes them being brought together through the bustling and vibrant south London music scene and their love of alt-folk, finger-style guitar playing and vocal harmonies. There’s a very enjoyable YouTube clip of Bennett Valuks playing a cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’ at the Book & Record Bar in south London, and this album was launched at The Great North Wood pub back in early July. Jack Neale has recently joined the band on bass as well as Emily Naylor on violin, piano and vocals. The band perform around London, mostly south of the river, occasionally beyond. Describing the record, Bennett says, “London has brought this band together and it is infused in our songwriting and our creative music making. Through this album, we wanted to capture the complexity of living in a fast-paced and challenging city, celebrating the way it inspires us”.
‘Casting Dreams’ proves to be an indicative opening track with acoustic guitars, violin and vocal harmonies. On the more pop-infused tracks, there’s some excellent collaboration with Noah Dayan on drums. Neale’s understated but very welcome bass playing is great, but comes to the fore in the folk numbers. Indeed, the album tracks seem to alternate between the two styles. The album starts strongly and ends beautifully. ‘Abram’ evokes current affairs, has unfussy yet very powerful lyrics and a lovely guitar accompaniment.
“And I find myself praying for you/ I pray it’s not for the last time/ Just hold on to me/ And I’ll hold on to you/ We’ll break through the storm/ The lines upon your face/ Tell of a life full and true/ As the sun starts to fade/ Like you held us/ We’ll hold on to you”
The musicianship throughout “Made in London” is very accomplished, but maybe the scat singing might be overdone. As they suggest, their words touch on love, relationships and mental health, but even after a few listens, it is not entirely clear which tracks (Run the Show?) come from political turmoil. However, Bennett Valuks must surely be worth a listen in their own backyard. Perhaps these songs will not resonate further afield. It’s Norwood’s gain.
