Ben Trickey – Rising Waters CD

Ben Trickey – Rising Waters CD

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Ben Trickey – Rising Waters CD

Rising Waters is the first time that Trickey is releasing an album with a full band and I think that he benefits from the added support of backing vocals, violins, piano, accordion, and percussion. It helps to carry the tone of his voice, both literal and metaphorical. The whole underlying feel of the album is a dark and melancholy one, but earnest and without being depressing. Though, there are songs that have a pick-me-ups built into the chorus. Trickey could not have picked a better tune to open with than The End of it All. Not only does it provide a short solo performance to introduce himself to new listeners, like me, but it also allows time to introduce his new band to old listeners. The Darkness has some of the best imagery, with lines like burning napalm in my chest/my many failures and disappointments and screaming banshees in my ear/things I should ve said/things you should hear. Open the Sky has a hymn base and is a prayer, but I think is asking more than just to feel good, in both mind and soul. For me, it s a perfect bad day song when nothing goes right. It s also, my second favorite song after Dance Slow. I like this one best, probably because of the band. Trickey supports the verses well, but during the chorus the blending of the instruments and Trickey s voice just carries you away. Wolf Fight that reminds me of Alan Jackson, in particular, it calls to mind Midnight in Montgomery. It s not as creepy, but it has the same sense of something looming. The aptly titles Crescendo is exactly that, a song (and a relationship) that builds on itself until it reaches the end. Pretty Thing seems like it might be the one bright light of happiness on the album, but alas, it s a song about the one who was the last one to leave. He closes out the album beautifully with Alright, the closest to a cheerful song as you re like to get on this album. This is definitely going on my bad day playlist too. Sometimes all you need to hear is that while things may be going bad, someday, you re gonna be fine.