After a failed venture into acting and a career as an au pair to the stars, Benjy Ferree has carved out his place in the world of pop-folk music. “Leaving the Nest” is Ferree’s third album, after learning to play guitar in Los Angeles just 10 years ago, where he also babysat the children of screenwriter David Lynch.
Mixed in with what seem like very simple rhythms and guitar strumming in “Leaving the Nest,” Ferree adds elements of blues, rockabilly, violin introductions, and refrains that resemble classic songs from The Grateful Dead.
“Leaving the Nest” originally debuted in October 2005, but was re-released with four new tracks. One strategy employed by Ferree and his Domino record label was alternating between slow and fast-paced songs. The album does lose a little bit of steam with the additions, yet all of Ferree’s songs share an infectious quality.
“In the Countryside” has a slow and simple, yet catchy beat. At times it feels like the song is just running in circles, but the beat seems so familiar that it sticks with the listener.
The song “Dogkillers!” displays Ferree’s versatility as he strays from his relaxed rhythm to a song that fits more into a punk category reminiscent of The Hives or The White Stripes. Ferree’s voice resembles Jack White’s at times, but sounds more like Jerry Garcia in the refrain of the title track, further displaying his range as a lyricist.
“A Little at a Time,” a Johnny Cash cover, comes straight off the back porch with a country twang, complete with extended whistling. “The Desert” seems like a faster version of “A Little at a Time,” and the first half of “Nest” can be repetitive at times.
“Private Honeymoon” endures a painful a cappella introduction, so the sweet sounds of a violin are a welcome change to the song that also sounds like Jet’s “Look What You’ve Done” at times. Despite its relative choppiness, Ferree’s ability to incorporate classic piano and violin into the song without making his voice seem out of place is an extraordinary accomplishment.
“Why Bother” provided the requisite harmonica for this compilation, but “In the Woods,” the final track, is the best candidate for mainstream success because of its definitive pop beat and ballad feel.
Most of Ferree’s appeal comes from his willingness to include a variety of instruments and styles into his music. He manages to mesh these genres well with his voice which can stretch to a modern punk or a classic bluegrass. For his musical versatility and experimentation alone, Ferree’s “Leaving the Nest” is worth finding.
Glenn Forbes can be reached at [email protected].
