29 Mar 2024
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Channeled - Single Review: Breathe

12 Dec 2021 // A review by Kev Rowland

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.

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Channeled

Channeled is ready to release the new album entitled I Heard Penelope Sing.

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

Releases

Channeled II (Part One)
Year: 2022
Type: EP
Interpretation
Year: 2021
Type: EP
Perception
Year: 2021
Type: EP
I Heard Penelope Sing
Year: 2020
Type: Album
Channeled
Year: 2019
Type: Album

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