‘Except For Him’ feels all the world like it has taken from the Elvis Costello book of cerebral pop, a fusion of styles and another ear opening experience that makes you wonder how Hubbell Benson have arrived on their debut EP so perfectly formed. Siblings Charlie and Sam Guarino (there is plenty of the Webb Brothers about them too) have a fluidity about their output, nothing is forced and so tracks like ‘Except For Him’ are done and dusted well before the 3-minute mark but not without leaving a perma-impression on us. In fact I am quite confident you’ll be singing along on the very first listen.
In an EP where we’re spoilt for choice ‘Gimme All You Got’ was chosen as the lead single and it proves to be an ideal starting point for dipping one’s toes in the duo’s sound. I mean it could have been conceived from the comfort of a beachside studio such is its tropical nature, full of cooing and harmonies that are best enjoyed with a direct line to the cocktail bar. A lift is guaranteed, an aura created that means life feels like it is going swimmingly and this is the soundtrack to confirm it.
In a world of smoothness that Hubbell Benson occupy ‘Names’ is perhaps the moment when they bare their souls completely because it is a statement of lounge intent. It might lack the sheer industry of the tracks that surround it but it proves that even when the lights are turned down this is an act who have the goods for the occasion. ‘Names’ is retro tinged of course, the kind of sweetheart soundtrack that would have sit perfectly on a John Hughes movie from the peak bratpack era.
For the most part this EP is a gathering of up tempo romanticism so ‘Last Call’ feels a bit like the black sheep. But don’t let that put you off as Hubbell Benson have crafted something romantic and soulful for the night when sartorial elegance is a must. That is because ‘Last Call’ is a waltz with the most, vocals drift by like a welcome balmy breeze and the music hits orchestration highs to swell the coffers of your heart.
‘Phantom Frequencies’ parting glass comes in the form of the relaxed bossa nova like psychedelic dream that is ‘Need Someone?’. Reminds me a lot of what Badly Drawn Boy was doing circa ‘The Hour of Belwilderbeast’ so there is a folk heart in there too. But a movement that is open to the shimmy as much as the contemplative step to it. This is a block rocking assembly to close out the EP, full of disparate directions and movements but feeling so alert to every possibility so it makes like an aural caffeine kick.
Hubbell Benson have dropped an impressive debut collection in ‘Phantom Frequencies’. One that flirts with the past, the present and given the potential longevity of the songs plenty of the future too. They cover serious ground in just over 18 minutes and all conjured from their basement studio. ‘Phantom Frequencies’ is now free to spread the gospel according to the brothers Guarino and there is going to be a considerable gathering of devotees. KH
More Info: Official
Hear More Songs: Hubbell Benson
Year: 2024
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