Channeled - Single Review: Breathe
Multi-instrumentalist Ben Ruegg is back with his latest single as Channeled,
which also now appears to have a new logo. I have always been impressed with
this band, either live or in the studio, but here Ben is moving in a slightly different
direction, and I am not sure if it has come off entirely as he would have
liked. One of the delights of this band is the sheer intensity they bring to
everything they do, but while Breathe still has the buzzsaw guitars one
has come to expect, they are now focused in a more indie slant. The song itself
is about religious messages being twisted, which has come through Ben’s journey
he has been undertaking since his seizure last year, and we even get some words
from a preacher.
But what is missing is the intensity, the drive and power which makes them such a driving force in the Auckland scene. Given that the city has been in lockdown since the middle of August, only slowly coming back to life now, I do wonder if that has had an impact on this recording, as it is lacking the vitality and passion I have come to expect. Of course, it is always possible the issue is with the listener (me), and that I am personally not ready for the direction in which Ben is now moving, but it feels to me as if the spark is missing from this recording and I will be intrigued to hear what comes next.
About Channeled
The new album is truly a sign of the changes that have taken place in Ben’s life. Just listen to tracks like A Conversation With You, Is That Glass? or I Can’t Quite Put My Finger On It and you will know what we are talking about here. In fact, those who heard the album before it’s release were all surprised with the direction the new music went.
The name of the album is semi-inspired by his love of people not being afraid to sing their hearts out. Music is about the experience; one best shared. It's inspiring to hear others write songs and sing them because they love it. So many of us do this in our own homes.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Channeled
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