Album Rating: 5.0

It's lo-fi but not basic. There's a lot going on in the muddled quiet here and there's layers. With IFWWW what you see is what you get. It's immediately enjoyable but doesn't add value with repeated listens. That's my take anyway. I'm splitting hairs because I still think IFWWW is a solid 4 and an excellent album.

Album Rating: 4.9

Yeah this isn't basic at all wtf

This is some of the most dense folk I've ever heard

Album Rating: 4.0

neeka just go listen to his previous record its definitely on par with this, not as layered but the songs are still stunning

I'm just being difficult because straight up IFWWW is my favorite guitar album of all time. I think it's staggeringly creative and accomplished, and I miss that so much on this album
Also I'll be honest I haven't listened to this album enough, I imagine it probably is much more complex than I'm giving it credit for

No matter how much I listen to this trying to get the same visceral feeling I got from IFWWW, I don't feel it. This feels like him watching the world burning from a distance while IFWWW was him sinking with it.

Hell of a good way to put it, totally agree

Album Rating: 4.5

yeah listened to this with my ATH M50xs the other night finally, and hot damn, its so much better with phones on the atmosphere is second-to-none

Album Rating: 3.6

IFWWW is better than this and I'm floored and personally insulted that you would say it's the same quality as Every Kingdom smh



[2] [3] [4] into infinity

Album Rating: 4.9

@FreddieDelaney31 but seriously, it seems like everyone who loves this (including me) wasn't swept away at first and only got to where they are by giving it some time

And you bet your ass I'm checking his other work asap

Album Rating: 5.0

His other stuff is definitely more lightweight.

Album Rating: 3.6

Time is Dancing does this whole album better

End of the Affair destroys anything else he has done for me.

Album Rating: 4.5

All depends if you enjoy an artist bloodying their own nose and withdrawing, not giving up that melodic hit so easy.



Both those tracks mentioned above would be melodically the most easy-breezy (the descriptor I'd use for much of his earlier stuff, very singer-songwriter fruit cider advertising music at times imo,close to {shudder} Jose Gonzalez territory even) songs on this album.



The first thing I thought of when I listened to this was 'World of Echo' - that comparison would never have come to mind with either of those tunes. He never gives in and allows himself to deliver an obvious crowd pleaser like the impassioned 'The Chain' Fleetwood Mac'y ending of 'Affair'.



This is a lot less obvious stuff - which I guess doesn't jingle everyone's bells. I do quite like the previous album, but I like Ben being abstract and 'difficult' here a lot more.



This whole album sounds refracted and sun stained and a bit weird.

@Rowan that's because Time Is Dancing is his best song
@Doof I totally agree with what yr saying but when he was pulling it off at such a high level I honestly think it just comes down to preference

I don't see what's wrong with having melody, not necessarily a hit, Doof. He actually had his own thing going, it was unique and beautiful, and he never needed to go down the Jose Gonzalez road like he has done with this one. Nothing wrong with either approach but I do prefer when he clutched those melodies.

Love the sun stained image btw.

Album Rating: 2.5

"Time is Dancing does this whole album better"



Truest sentence itt so far

Album Rating: 4.5

Nothing wrong with melody, more that sometimes a different approach from an artist just creates magic.



Hate to use the ‘A’ word but this album sounds so natural and yes, authentic - in putting across the man’s whole musical vision. Doesn’t seem at all contrived which considering how consciously arty this could have come across is quite something.



It has the magic, it transcends singer/songwriter (as good as that approach can be)

Album Rating: 5.0

"he was pulling it off at such a high level I honestly think it just comes down to preference"

I'm willing to agree with this.

Album Rating: 4.0

And I am finally colouring, inside the lines that i live between....definitely his best track no contest.

also forgot to mention, last night he played two tracks with his guitar strings inversed, was very impressive.

Album Rating: 4.5

i've never seen him live but after watching this glastonbury performance the other day, i really need to. didn't realize how talented of a guitar player he is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGfWLWqkshg



also didn't realize he produced this himself. dude is legit.