SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BENJAMIN RUSSELL AND ROB STUART – SOMETHING IN F MINOR

BENJAMIN RUSSELL AND ROB STUART
SOMETHING IN F MINOR
TCBE RECORDS

This debut album, Something In F Minor by the duo of Benjamin Russel and Rob Stuart is an impressive affair. Although this is their debut album as a duo, both musicians/artists have been producing music for quite awhile. Rob Stuart has been in many bands, including 1980’s Vis-A-Vis and more recently SLAVE To The SQUAREwave. And these are just two of his numerous credits. While Benjamin Russell had played in numerous bands throughout the years and had a big hit in 1984 as a solo artist, titled “Power Of Love”. It was a remake of that song, last year, that brought the two together when Stuart requested the opportunity to remix the song. That request led to the two pairing up for this album.

Something In F Minor is steeped in 1980s feel, lyrically and musically. That is not a criticism. It is still their own sound and thoughts. In much the same way that Tom Petty revisited the 1960s, in his music and still created his own distinct sound, Russell and Stuart do the same. Sure, there are loads of keyboards here, but this is not retro. If anything, it is an extension of the promises of the 1980s. The album has strong melodies and songs that burrow into the listener’s subconscious and stay there. “Computerized Man # 2 is a good example. The vocals, use of backing vocals and harmonies and the keyboards all come together for a perfect synth-pop song.

While a song like “Yell (Extended Mix)” is the first song the duo wrote together and has a very different feel from other tracks. But it fits with the album. “Yell (Extended Mix)” is a much more angry song, featuring nice use of guitar. Two tracks later, the listener is treated to a much more relaxed, almost chill sound of “Space (Ambient Mix)”. It is these constant changes throughout the album that keep things extremely interesting. In many ways, one never knows what to expect. “You Took Me For A Ride”, which is a personal favourite. is different from the rest of the album and incorporates wonderful sounds and lyrics to come up with a song that would not be out of place on a Blancmange album.

Russell and Stuart have come up with an incredible album, even more remarkable, it is their debut. Something In F Minor is that perfect kid of album to sit back and enjoy, tap your foot and share with friends. The more attention given to the album, the bigger the reward. It is an album that with each spin one hears something new. And it is fun to revisit the album over and over.

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