We talk a lot about “voice.” Usually we’re referring to a person’s perspective, or their style of expressing themselves.
But god dammit. Ben de la Cour has a Voice.
Men just don’t come like this anymore, it seems. Combining the dusky grit of the most hardened bar band singer with the lilt of a folk singer, De la Cour’s vocals are well-suited to Americana. I’m certainly glad he dropped out of death metal. De la Cour’s songwriting chops match his vocal range. The album begins with “I Went Down to Dido,” a moody, Gothic ballad. “Heavy Things” moves the album in a poppier direction. “Palace of Mirrors” showcases De la Cour’s ease with country music.
There is not one superfluous note on this album. I might even go so far as to say that it’s perfect. But I’ll let you be the judge.