Jaded music journos, and notably TV3’s John Campbell are waxing lyrical about Dudley Benson – the enigmatic and charming ex-head choirboy who’s melding choral work with pop sensibilities.

Drawing on an upbringing affected by solitude, wide open spaces and significantly the loss of his mother, Benson masters the art of bringing ‘space’ to his work – like Joanna Newsom it’s the cadence, the pauses, the drops that thrill in this world of appallingly over-modulated releases. Benson name checks (obscure 60s psych-folkie) Vashti Bunyan as a key influence… I hear Buckley’s both senior and junior and the falsetto of Antony Hegarty.

Phil Grey

The Awakening is a fresh and compelling album – check it out, and win a copy, on Community Radio Hamilton’s Weekday Breakfasts this week. Also check out their exclusive interview with Benson via communityradio.co.nz.

Community Radio Hamilton Featured Album