SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STEVE BENJAMINS – VOLUME 1

Steve Benjamins
Volume 1
Independent

Sometimes a musician comes along whose approach and delivery of their craft speaks volumes to the soul. Steve Benjamins has been one of those for me, with his music that speaks of faith, love, the beautiful land on which he lives, personal thoughts, his wife and the new baby human in his life. His musical delivery is humble like a prayer, as if his songs are an offering and the listener is the altar.

Releasing only single songs or an EP every few months over the past eight and some years, his music has been like receiving sporadic messages from a beloved and trusted friend who lives overseas and they message just to say hi and that they love you. Truly, Benjamins’ songs feel like little gifts that come exactly when they are needed, reminding us of sweet moments, the lovely, profound, ugly, and confusing things we encounter in life.

With Volume 1 Benjamins has arranged 11 exquisite songs from the past several years into one album. Mostly on the lighter and more contemplative side with a bit of electronic magic thrown in here and there, Volume 1 is beautifully put together and feels like healing salve for these continued weird days in our lives.

“Circles” is an absolutely gorgeous movement of music that, to my ears and translation, speaks of creation, reflection, memories, and feelings of isolation. It is somber but also carries feelings of hope and renewal.

“Purification Ritual” resonates deeply for me and the wash of feelings this past year and a half have brought. Despair one day, hope the next, riding a wave of positivity in one moment and then having it crash on top as the weight of all things. Yet at the end of the day we are not alone and we can lean into others for support.

“Manhood” picks up the pace with a funky swagger and soft backing piano and strings. It is a song about, well, manhood, and our ridiculous need to be strong and unshakeable while we’re just as vulnerable and swimming in self-doubt as anyone else.

While Volume 1 isn’t a platter of new material, it still feels like a substantial gift, and a gift that can hopefully wind its way warmly into the hearts of current fans and new fans alike.

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