Alternative Rock from bigbaldben

After a hiatus spanning nearly two decades, the former lead singer of an American post grunge rock band in the mid 90s is back with a musical resurgence under the moniker bigbaldben. This one-man operation hails from central Pennsylvania, where Ben single-handedly takes on the roles of guitarist, bassist, pianist and drum programmer, sometimes joined by friends and artists to enrich his sound with their sonic flair. Influenced by the likes of Alice In Chains, Galactic Cowboys and King’s X, Ben’s music is a fusion of heavy rock with two and three-part vocal harmonies that make his sound truly unique.

bigbaldben’s journey as a solo artist kicked off earlier this year with the release of his debut single, “Welded Glass,” which was soon followed by a series of well-received singles. These early releases garnered extensive support on NAS and AMS Radio, setting the stage for his aptly titled debut album, Resurrection.

The nine-track record presents a stunning run through of the artist’s distinctive sound. It was written and recorded between December 2022 and August 2023 and marks his personal journey back to being an artist after nearly two decades. The album opens with “Tired of Dying,” setting an energetic tone with pounding drums, crunchy guitars and captivating vocal work. This track immediately showcases Ben’s influences, drawing from bands like Alice In Chains, yet adding his own unique twist to create a compelling sound.

As the album progresses, “Disjointed” stands out as a prime example of bigbaldben’s versatility. It combines intense instrumental energy with moody guitars and robust drums, all while infusing a pop-focused grunge element with bright melodic vocal leads. “The Antidote” bursts with electrifying energy, featuring frantic drums that drive the gritty guitar tones, all complemented by Ben’s slick vocal delivery. The song’s arrangement builds layers of guitars, leading to an enveloping rock chorus with anthemic writing.

Among the highlights of the record is “Reticent,” a track co-written and performed with Ben’s son, Logan. It begins with gentle acoustic guitar tones, and Ben’s soft vocals gradually weave in elegant melodic leads. As the song unfolds, the drums add momentum, with the acoustic guitars creating a warm arrangement that reveals a different facet of Ben’s musical talent. “Welded Glass” kicks off with a bold guitar riff, brimming with fuzz and twang, set against a laid-back drumbeat. A piano takes over in the instrumental backdrop, with layered vocals gently dancing above. The result is a brooding alternative rock sound that captures the listener’s attention.

The album’s culmination arrives with the A-side Sound Mix of “The Antidote.” This rendition offers a softer and more mellow interpretation of the song, delivering a creative and intriguing conclusion to bigbaldben’s outstanding debut full-length record. With his debut LP, bigbaldben has marked his triumphant return to the musical landscape via a release that’s sure to charm fans old and new alike.

Listen to Resurrection below

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