Folk Rock from The Ben Poore Project

Hailing from Southampton in the south of the UK, The Ben Poore Project is an exciting band that’s made an emphatic entrance this year. This trio of talented musicians delivers a refreshing blend of rock, Americana, country and folk, all wrapped up in their storytelling style. Led by vocalist, songwriter,and guitarist Ben Poore, the band also features bassist Dan HM and drummer Matt Axx, who have been developing their sound together over years of playing in covers bands before embarking on their journey into original music.

With their intricate vocal harmonies and diverse influences, The Ben Poore Project offers a sound that feels at once timeless and modern, drawing on the traditions of folk and country while injecting the energy of rock and roll. The Ben Poore Project began when Ben and Matt crossed paths on the local covers circuit, where they played together for nearly eight years with Dan joining after a Winchester’s Roots Open Mic night. The trio’s shared chemistry soon evolved into a creative partnership and what started as a passion for performing others’ songs flourished into a desire to create something entirely their own.

Citing artists like Frank Turner, Jason Isbell, and Bob Dylan as key inspirations, The Ben Poore Project blends reflective lyricism delivered via memorable melodies and backed by slick musicianship. Their sound is grounded in folk and country traditions but carries a modern edge, mirroring the band’s journey from covers to original material.

Linking up with producer Matt Black at Hangover Hill Records, in April this year they unveiled their shared sonic vision with the debut single “Level Up,” which they’ve since followed up with a live version of the song and the sophomore single “Better Days” which arrived in July. Now they bring us their latest release with their new single titled “One For Sorrow,” a song that captures the darker side of the band’s musical vision.

Recorded once again at Hangover Hill Records with Matt Black, the song draws on eerie folk influences and was inspired in part by the ghostly allure of Halloween. “One For Sorrow” recounts the tale of a soul in crisis, following the protagonist’s journey from desperation to regret; having struck a deal with the Devil at rock bottom, the character soon realises that the bargain is not what it seems and as the debt comes due, the song’s narrator reflects on their choices, seeking redemption before it’s too late.

Brought in by the soft shuffle of brushed drums and soft guitar notes, Ben’s rich voice enter to spin subtly lively melodies carrying storytelling lyricism before the arrangement jumps with bouncy rhythms and layered backing vocals in the chorus. With the picture painting lyrics presenting a transportive listening experience brought to life by catchy hooks, splashy drums and expressive vocal performance, “One For Sorrow” sees The Ben Poore Project deliver another charming folk rock jam that puts their original sound and performance panache on full display.

Listen to One For Sorrow below