Hubbell Benson - Phantom Frequencies (Name Your Price)

I've mentioned before that although we are delighted with the success of Listening To This Week as a playlist and forum for single songs, it was also set up as an additional way to discover albums for written reviews. It had been less successful at that until recently and August releases are bringing quite a few, 

But Friday led to the release of the Hubbell Benson album and I've been dying to tell you about this for a few weeks. The New Jersey duo have fashioned up a great Pop Rock album. I know New Jersey is more associated with a brasher version of Power Pop and Indie Rock, but look between the gaps because there is much more to the scene than that,

Phantom Frequencies overall is great melodic laidback groove and riff driven in a wonderfully arranged package, but there are also big surprises. Except For Him is a fantastic Power Pop song and you will also hear that on tomorrow's Listening To This Week.

Come On (Elephant Graveyard) is even more varied. It is like three songs in one. It starts all Shaft and turns into an 80s Pop Rock classic before switching into something that is almost Prog. A cracking listen in which you marvel at the scope.

Last Call mixes an Indie Pop ballad with a sort of Eastern Film Soundtrack Instrumental, Names goes all 70s Smooth Rock, Soft Rock even and Gimme All You Got even gets a little George Michael, pure Pop at the flick of a switch.

The closer, Needs Someone is classic 60s gentle Prog set to an instrumental that is almost Jazz. So much talent is on display here on a laidback album that is not afraid to stretch out. A great listen and you have a chance to grab it on Bandcamp whilst it is at Name Your Price.

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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