Benjamin Cartel
Write At Home
Mother West
Write At Home, the new album from singer-songwriter Benjamin Cartel, revolves around aromas of ‘60s pop melded with tangs of roots rock. Talking about his sound, Cartel says, “One producer even called me ‘futro’ — a combination of retro and new influences. I believe all descriptions apply to what I do.”
Analogous to an autobiography, the album explores departures and arrivals. The songs on Write At Home were written amidst Cartel and his family relocating from New York to Kansas.
Unlike Cartel’s previous albums, which were recorded in a homogenous environment, Write At Home came together over months, with various collaborators whose input arrived via email from all over the place. Musicians on the album include Kieran Mulvaney (background vocals), Ed Maxwell (bass), Probyn Gregory (tuba, trombone, trumpet, French horn), Ryan Smith (guitars), Mike Cohen (guitars, keyboards), and David Gould (lap steel, 12-string guitar).
The opening track, “Shut Inside,” travels on a contagious teetering, thumping rhythm topped by shimmering textures on the chorus. There’s a delicious nostalgic feel to the harmonics, along with an alluring, dreamy warmth.
A personal favorite because of its low-slung, voluptuous flow, “Not Myself” conjures up memories of Chris Isaak, with its blend of haunting echoes highlighted by the soft radiance of Kendall Jane Meade’s voice. All by itself, this song is worth the price of admission.
Mellow trumpet surfaces give “Calm Down” a sumptuous sensation, adding to the song’s almost dream-pop motion. Whereas “In My New Home” rides darker, throbbing textures, imbuing the tune with introspective savors.
“Upstairs Downstairs” channels the Traveling Wilburys, while, for some reason, “Bad Ole Days” summons memories of The Hollies, with its jangle-colored guitars and gleaming pop tones.
The last track on the album, “Kids and Play,” is simultaneously drenched in oozing, drifting textures and almost primal shadows. The melody sways, droops, and slides on lingering psychedelic layers, imbuing the tune with a dreamscape ambiance.
Delivered with retro pop aesthetics merged with luscious tints of Americana, Write At Home is an unmissable entry into first-rate music.
