Album Review: Benjamin Clementine Gives Unusual Soul In I Tell A Fly
Benjamin Clementine can be for soul what Frank Ocean is for Hip Hop; adding a sense of strange to the heart of these genres. Clementine’s newest album, I Tell a Fly, matches the richness of Clementine’s voice and mind with textured instrumentals to create a record that feels more like a factory of tapestries. To walk in is to bejeweled synths, vibrant acoustics, and Clementine’s desire to reconcile a life of hardship with the beauty of music.
Benjamin Clementine – Phantom Of Aleppoville
Clementine has seen the rougher sides of humanity: from religion to poverty. Yet, his eagerness to find the best led him to music, and opened him to creative side of the seeming life force. Hence, tracks like “Paris Flies By”, “Better Safe Than Sorry”, and “God Save The Jungle” are piano ballad with unusual structures. The whole album sounds like a dive into the unorthodox; never following simplicity or composing norms, but that is the “Quintessence” of Benjamin Clementine. Coming off the Mercury Prize winning debut,At Least for Now, Clementine had a lot of pressure to deliver something as magical, which he did by going inward in sound and lyricism. “Ode To Joyce” , “Ave Dreamer”, and “Phantom of Aleppoville” exemplify Clementine’s wandering spirit. Keys are fluidly twinkled like shooting stars, while Clementine sings to feeling like he has no place despite wanting to have a presence. The difference is profound, and holds a key message to adventurous, dreamy artists like himself; you can turn anywhere into your home if you realize your heart is its foundation. A poignant lesson Clementine has earned through blood, sweat, tears, and a high register that could make and angel choir jealous.
Playing Radio City Music Hall on October 2, Benjamin Clementine has a lot of material from which to serenade. I Tell A Fly is an insular experience, where Clementine elaborates the power of the piano to be a platform for self-observation. He is has constructed an 11 track opus on his acceptance and celebration that not fitting in anywhere is an opportunity to be apart of everywhere. For More Information On Benjamin Clementine And To Buy I Tell A Fly On October 2 Click Here.
