Ben McKelvey - Work For Free

Buy Work for Free on Ben's album 'Life and Love in England' here (Amazon UK)

I'm off to see The Overtones on the last night of their Christmas tour tonight so I thought I'd take some time to check out the music of their opening act. They've always had good taste in picking musicians to get the crowd going (Who's Molly are a particular favourite) and they've kept their good taste choices up with singer songwriter, Ben McKelvey. By all accounts, he's become somewhat of a favourite of Overtones fans during this tour and checking out his most recent single, Work For Free, it is easy to see why. What instantly struck me about Ben's approach to crafting catchy songs is his ability to write in a way that is instantly relatable - as if he's allowing you to peek inside the most intimate pages of his diary. He frames the lyrics in a way that tells a story and he is a natural raconteur; a compelling narrator who brings his narrative to life with effusive vocal performance and vibrant, strumming guitar. "Life is for living, for love and beginnings" sings Ben, and that really frames what Work For Free is all about. It is a song about following your passions, taking chances and letting those worries that plague you go - but most importantly, doing these things with someone who enhances the experiences you have. Ben has an everyman quality in the way he conveys the sentiments of the songs, not so much singing but performing them with heart and soul. His voice guides the memorable melody, embracing the symbiotic relationship he has with the guitar strumming that gives the song as much energy and pep as Ben himself does. It all coalesces to make for a solid pop song that stays in your head long after the last chord has faded. His album, Life and Love in England, is full of equally mesmerising music that soothes the sorrowful moments in life then (much as on Work For Free) sends you to giddy new highs more satisfying than a dopamine rush to the brain. Good choice Overtones - I look forward to his live set tonight. And if you aren't lucky enough to get to see him live now, do check out said album and maybe pop to see him with Mike and the Mechanics in the new year/living years...