It took almost seven years for Ben Freeman to get to this point. A slow, patient artistic journey that saw him evolve, grow, and come to a better understanding of the surprisingly fleeting nature of life. Originally debuting in 2015, the NYC resident then took a five years hiatus, mostly spent at Harvard Divinity School and singing in Gospel choirs. 2020 saw his return to the music scene, with stronger cultural baggage and an enriched experience to draw lyrical inspiration from.
‘Quiet Fury’ is the project’s latest effort. The first album in Ben’s career, it contains both past singles and unreleased material, as if he were to reflect on what has been achieved till now. Well, a lot certainly has. ‘Quiet Fury’ is the perfect occasion for us to catch a glimpse of Freeman’s kaleidoscopic talent, capable of intense, heartfelt lyricism and nuanced sonic matter. You see, the keen listener will discover themes of reckoning and personal growth, perhaps finding solace and support in the American talent’s carefully selected wording.
Framed into nostalgic electronic pop, ‘Quiet Fury’ welcomes us with ‘Intro (Humility), instantly showcasing Ben’s vocal qualities with long, bucolic harmonies. ‘Theology’, originally released last year, set the tone for the whole record, producing slow-tempo intimate vibes and inner reflections. From here on, it is a journey through pop-styled songs and more experimental pieces, such as ‘Emily’s Blessing/Breathing Nigun’, containing spoken word extracts and gospel backgrounds over low-key electronic pieces.
Overall, a convincing release from Ben Freeman, certainly a peculiar artist in our over-standardised world. Recommended!
Discover ‘Quiet Fury’ on Spotify:
