Ben Horlock - Single Review: Don't Wait On Me
Ben
Horlock (Ngati Porou/Te Arawa) is a pop artist from Dunedin who has an ear for a great pop melody, a knack for moody blues guitar lines, and the kind of voice talent scouts are always listening out for.
His latest release Don’t Wait on Me features the prominent high hat of modern trap music coming out of Atlanta, an ambient synth lifted from a goth club track, with some deep bass chords to anchor it all together. Atop these instruments, Horlock sings an expressive song about fear, longing and attraction with a rich reverb. There’s even a sweet little guitar solo by Horlock at the end which only hints at his abilities as a guitarist.
The ‘live’ full version of the song begins with a far more epic lead guitar solo and segues into the pop version, and I have to admit, I prefer this version. Perhaps for popular appeal, Horlock decided to release the song officially beginning after this solo, but the words appear to have so much more meaning after the impressive lead playing. This expanded version, in a world with longer attention spans, should be the song to introduce people to the artist. His guitar playing skills appear to be an unmistakable element that no doubt inform his note choice and his aesthetic in general.
The dark lyricism of “why would you think I’d want to call you, after everything we’ve been through, what makes you think I’d want to know you, coming down” is a pretty strong way to start a song, but the synth intro hints at strong emotions. It is a break up song after all. The chorus is when Horlock really shows his vocal prowess with a high falsetto as he sings the title of the song. I’m reminded of Abel Makkonen Tesfaye (The Weeknd) and other pop artists like Charlie Puth, Harry Styles and Bruno Mars.
His guitar playing, his secret weapon, is more reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix and at times the atmospherics achieved by The Edge and David Gilmour. It all makes for a sensational pop song that has real depth and emotional charge. It might not be the most catchy song, but it is unashamedly pop, directly responding to a specific emotion and situation.
For music lovers and those going through a dark time.
About Ben Horlock
Alongside recording an album at Roundhead and Parachute with leading session players and producers, Ben has been headlining with Lime Cordial, selling out his own tour, performing at festivals, showcasing at Big Fan and opening for renowned rock photographer Chris Cuffaro exhibition recently.
Ben’s psychedelic live show showcases his musicality and spans his singer songwriter, pop, rock and reggae influences. He is currently working on different albums and live show projects in each genre.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Ben Horlock
Releases
Other Reviews By Nicholas Clark
Torn Chorus - Single/Video Review: Time I Wasn't Here
22 May 2023 // by Nicholas Clark
Torn Chorus’ latest single Time I Wasn't Here is a mid-tempo rocker that is a pleasant, country tinged song with a not so hidden meaning. The act is a one man band, Franklin Davis, who plays all the instruments and performs all the vocals capably in a no-nonsense approach.
Read More...
Gig Review: Dead Favours @ Meow, Wellington - 27/04/2023
30 Apr 2023 // by Nicholas Clark
Meow was humming on Thursday night as the locals awaited two Auckland bands and a Wellingtonian act to entertain them. Rock and roll legends Dead Favours, on tour for their second six-track EP Riffing and Yelling Part 2 (or the second part of their second album if you want to think about it that way) were headlining, bringing with them pop-punks Ekko Park.
Read More...
Gig Review: Crooked Royals @ Valhalla, Wellington - 28/04/2023
30 Apr 2023 // by Nicholas Clark
Valhalla was surely over their capacity on Friday night when Auckland metalcore juggernauts Crooked Royals headlined a very quickly sold out show. It was standing room only within the small club, but there was a palpable, even friendly excitement in the cramped conditions.
Read More...
InDuna - Single/Video Review: Dreams
08 Apr 2023 // by Nicholas Clark
Ink and Gold: An Artist’s Journey to Olympic Glory is a documentary about New Zealand artist and athlete, Zakea Page, winning the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games medal design competition. It’s an engaging short film to say the least, with a message about persevering despite the odds and celebrating the intersection of passions, in this case, sport and art.
Read More...
TheSlacks - Single/Video Review: Information Ape
20 Feb 2023 // by Nicholas Clark
TheSlacks latest single Information Ape starts off with a sweet melody that reminds me of a 50's doowop band like The Penguins. Over the top of this some digital noises such as phones ringing and switches changing lines establishes the vibe or both sincere, innocent beginnings and hectic modern life.
Read More...
Ripship - Album Review: Fearsome Engine
06 Jan 2023 // by Nicholas Clark
This couldn’t be a Ripship review without at least mentioning the immense noise the two-piece band produces. There – I’ve said it; they sure can conjure up some dBs.
Read More...
Adult Friends - Single Review: Brittle
12 Dec 2022 // by Nicholas Clark
In the contemporary music industry, there continues to be a use for genres to categorize products for easier consumption and describe artists for potential customers. True artists, pioneers if you will, often reside at the periphery of the conventions expected of them.
Read More...
Gig Review: Swallow the Rat w/ Ripship @ Valhalla, Wellington - 8/12/2022
10 Dec 2022 // by Nicholas Clark
Swallow the Rat and Ripship’s seven date North Island tour had landed in Wellington. Despite the anticipation for the event, including how people attending were talking about the event and online discussions, I entered a rather empty Valhalla bar on Vivian Street a little late for the advertised starting time.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- CUPID (TWIN VERSION)
Fifty Fifty - PEOPLE
Libianca - LAST NIGHT
Morgan Wallen - DAYLIGHT
David Kushner - FLOWERS
Miley Cyrus - KILL BILL
SZA - CALM DOWN
Rema And Selena Gomez - DIE FOR YOU (REMIX)
The Weeknd And Ariana Grande - KARMA
Taylor Swift feat. Ice Spice - BOY'S A LIAR PT. 2
PinkPantheress And Ice Spice
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
