Poole returns with a new studio album, almost entirely own material therein and production by drum ace Wayne Proctor. I think I have known Proctor some twenty years now and his forte is capturing a crisp but rich sound for many artists, in the studio. He listens to the songs and creates an enhancement for each composition, working much in the manner of a tailor fashioning a garment from cloth. Because every artist has a different vocal timbre &/or phrasing approach, this does call for some acumen and effort. A quick look at the titles hints at songs on The Human Condition than any tales of gnomes and sorcery.

Starting track Anytime You Need Me uses a steady funk tempo and Ben’s voice is definitely in the Train/Maroon 5 range which suits the choppy beats and deep bass runs of the tune. Take It No More features grinding Hammond and fuzztone guitar for a fat sound whereas You Could Say brings in UniVibe tones for a very American sound for the instrumentation but not the vocal. I Found Out The Hard Way is steady but eerie and has some lovely almost confessional vocal work. The fuzzy motif of Further On Down The Line sure makes it sound like a set-starter, a Stevie Wonder tinge?

Dirty Laundry is of course the old Don Henley workout taken here as a deliberately concise tempo, for impact. Start The Car is naturally a driving song and sounds like a good setlist pick. Don’t Cry For Me works in Cray territory with exquisite bass and a moody vibe. Let Me Be brings a filthy, rusty sound and might be the most heartfelt song here? The 3-D production does bring it home. Last cut is Holding On, a heavy groove, a real band sound and my favourite inclusion on this meaty collection.

Pete Sargeant