Ben Heyworth – “Creatures”

Ben Heyworth is back after a long break, and I’m honestly so glad he decided to pick up the guitar again. This three-track EP called “Creature” hits differently than his previous electronic stuff, and you should check Ben’s previous work here.

The opener “Narrowboat” pulled me in right away. There’s something about the way he describes life on Manchester’s canals that feels both intimate and cinematic. His voice has this smooth quality that reminds me of Neil Finn from Crowded House, but with a distinctly British twist.

“Image of Roads” takes you on this weird American road trip that might not even be real. The whole thing could be a dream or simulation, and honestly, that ambiguity makes it even better. The way he builds tension with repeated phrases like “no turning back” creates this hypnotic effect that kept me coming back for more listens. “Creature Double Feature” closes things out with this parade of strange characters – piglets, sailors, blue girls, mood boys. It sounds chaotic on paper, but Ben makes it work. The track has this carnival-like energy that somehow ties together all the weirdness into something beautiful.

Recording at Blueprint Studios (where Elbow makes their magic) was clearly the right choice. The production gives these songs room to breathe while keeping everything crisp and detailed. This feels like the work of someone who’s lived a bit and has stories to tell. Make sure to follow Ben on social media to catch his upcoming live shows.