Ben Montague
Back Into Paradise
Absolute Label Services
Now I first heard of Ben Montague through the company he co-owns with his father Robert Montague CBE, North American Guitar based in Fulham, London, United Kingdom. He had such a presence as performer and really beautiful songs like ‘Haunted’ and ‘Liberty Road’. Later on I saw him open for Amy MacDonald at The Palladium Theatre in London and I thought this guy will really go far.
So when I heard that he was releasing a new album which was funded by crowdfunding website Pledge Music I was not only really excited to hear some new material but I was interested to see where he was heading as an artist. Well I can truly say that ‘Back Into Paradise’ is a really emotional collection of songs that are not only relate-able but also extremely pleasant to listen to.
The opening title track sets the tone of this album as Ben explains his emotions during a separation. There is some lush orchestral strings here that give it a grand luxurious sound. ‘We Start Over’ makes me think that Mr Montague is a fan of San Franciscan rockers Train and their lead vocalist Pat Monahan (check out Pat Monahan’s solo album ‘Last of Seven’ if you can). ‘Runaway’ has a ticking clock feel but it isn’t the strongest track on the album for me personally.
‘Gonna Love Again’ seems autobiographical as Ben explains that although a relationship has ended you will love again and love is like a Scrabble game. Quite an accurate description think. ‘Another Chance’ includes rich backing vocals that fit the song perfectly and I honestly feel that this is the song Sam Smith wish he’d had on his album. ‘Serendipity’ has a Stereophonics vibe and has vibrant acoustic guitar. Definitely one that we will see on the BBC Radio 2 playlist soon I hope.
‘Looking For Love’ is a driving song with the keyboards and what sounds like a pedal steel. I can picture Ben driving through the American desert with the top down with a sunset behind him for this one. The thing about Ben that really makes him are his songs. They are seeped in honesty, raw emotion and you can actually hear the pain in his vocal delivery especially in ‘Sleeping’.
‘The Meaning’ is a little bit rockier and has a really cool break you don’t hear coming. Lyrics like ‘keep it beautiful before I die’ are just genius. That one will be a crowd-pleaser at his shows especially when he appears at The Isle Of Wight Festival this year.
The closing track is a stripped down version of The Foo Fighters ‘Best of You’ and it just works brilliantly. It reminded me of when legend Glen Campbell did his take on ‘Times Like This’ which I saw live in Oxford. Firstly, it is an absolutely fantastic idea to do a cover with your own stamp on it and secondly The Foo Fighters really have a phenomenal catalog and that is one of the main reasons why they headline festivals around the world and sell out stadium tours.
He has supported Shane Filan, Wet Wet Wet, Joe Bonamassa, Amy MacDonald in his career and 2015 sees him joining Boyzone and Suzanne Vega on tour. It is clear why he has been chosen to join these people on their tours and quite honestly with his songwriting, his live shows and his love for his fanbase he will be playing headline shows at The Palladium himself before too long.
Glenn Sargeant
Ben Montague’s new album ‘Back Into Paradise’ is released on Monday 15th June 2015 on Absolute Label Services. In addition Ben will be extensively touring the UK this year on the following dates:
Thursday 11th June- Isle Of Wight Festival, Newport, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom www.isleofwightfestival.com/
Saturday 13th June- (Supporting Boyzone) Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Scarborough, United Kingdom www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com/event/boyzone-2015/
Tuesday 16th June- (Supporting Suzanne Vega), Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, United Kingdom www.liverpoolphil.com/16183/events-contemporary-music/suzanne-vega.html
Wednesday 17th June- (Supporting Suzanne Vega), Colston Hall, Bristol, United Kingdom www.colstonhall.org/shows/suzanne-vega-2/
Thursday 18th June- (Supporting Suzanne Vega), Union Chapel, London, United Kingdom www.store.unionchapel.org.uk/events/18-jun-15-suzanne-vega-union-chapel/
Friday 19th June- (Supporting Suzanne Vega), Cadogan Hall, London, United Kingdom www.cadoganhall.com/event/suzanne-vega-150619/
Sunday 21st June- (Supporting Suzanne Vega), Anvil Arts, Basingstoke, United Kingdom www.anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/suzanne-vega
Monday 22nd June- (Supporting Suzanne Vega), Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham, United Kingdom www.thsh.co.uk/event/suzanne-vega/
Thursday 1st October- (Headline Show), St Pancras Old Church, London, United Kingdom www.ents24.com/london-events/st-pancras-old-church/ben-montague/4243115
Friday 2nd October- (Headline Show), Mr Kyps, Poole, United Kingdom www.mrkyps.net/events/event-341.html
Sunday 4th October- (Headline Show), The Brook, Southampton, United Kingdom
Thursday 8th October- (Headline Show), The Cluny 2, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom www.thecluny.com/listing/ben-montague-cluny-2-0
Friday 9th October- (Headline Show), Sneaky Petes, Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom www.sneakypetes.co.uk/
Saturday 1oth October- (Headline Show), King Tuts, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom www.kingtuts.co.uk/gig-info/?gig=6264
Sunday 11th October- (Headline Show), The Ruby Lounge, Manchester, United Kingdom www.therubylounge.com/index.php/shows/ben-montague
Thursday 15th October- (Headline Show), The Junction, Cambridge, United Kingdom www.junction.co.uk/ben-montague
Saturday 17th October- (Headline Show), Chequer Mead, East Grinstead, United Kingdom www.chequermead.org.uk/whats-on/theatre/event/?e=287722&cat=
Thursday 22nd October- (Headline Show), The Vic, Swindon, United Kingdom www.thevicswindon.com/get/events
Friday 23rd October- (Headline Show), Glee Club, Birmingham, United Kingdom www.glee.co.uk/live-music/#filters
Saturday 24th October- (Headline Show) The Louisiana, Bristol, United Kingdom www.thelouisiana.net/events/24-oct-15-ben-montague-the-louisiana/
Sunday 25th October- (Headline Show) The Musician, Leicester, United Kingdom www.themusicianpub.co.uk/listings.html
For more information and to buy Ben’s new album visit: www.benmontague.co.uk
