Heralding back to the days when bands weren’t afraid of being experimental like Mother’s Finest circa ’79, or Sly and the Family Stone during the “Stand” years is the latest release from NC band Benj-O-Matic entitled “Hi Test Vol. 1: The Infinite Amplification of Silence” . The 12 track stomp and stamp showcases lead singer Benjy Johnson’s multi instrumentalist talents and quirky, beatnik for the new millennium writing style. Coupled with a body-hugging tight groove from Scotty Irving on drums and newest member Jeff Carmichael on bass, Benj-O-Matic, is a testament to what a three piece should be. It is clear that after a few test runs, Benj-o-Matic has centered on the right amalgam in their musical science experiment.
While former releases such as the self titled “Benj-o-matic” and “New Tales for Broken Radio” were solid in their own right, “Hi Test Vol. 1: The Infinite Amplification of Silence” is a more mature, “this is how we can really sound” cd that the band had not produced previously.
Mastered by Ty Tabor of Kings X fame (alienbeansstudio.com), and recorded at Earthtones Recording in Greensboro, NC, tracks move easily within different genres but have no fear, the ride is scene-ridden and not bumpy. This is not music for the masses or the uninitiated looking for melt in your mouth ear candy. The collection is chewy and crunchy - palatable rock with a funk/soul undertone. The aftertaste? Long lasting and worthy of replay.
Standout tracks include “Gary Busey Crazy”, “Rise Children” and “Well”.
Finally, if you’re looking for a collective vs. a vanilla singular sound you will have it in this musical miscellany.
