BENJAMIN VERDOES - THE ONE & THE OTHER *

Benjamin Verdoes first gained notoriety through his eccentric and unpredictable song writing in Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, who released two records on Dead Oceans. Verdoes, a multi-instrumentalist, has spent the last five years developing as a producer and beat-maker. His most recent EP, The One & The Other continues a pattern of experimentation and curiosity. The new songs are a clear and exciting departure from his last solo record, The Evil Eye (Brick Lane Records). The One & The Other is an engaging narrative set in six chronological scenes. The story cleverly describes a universally experienced scenario. The melodies, textures, and trajectory of the songs are effortlessly tied up in the scenes and the larger narrative. Along with his exploration of production, Verdoes is pushing his lyrical approach into new territory. The cadences, rhythms and transitions show a clear new dimension to his songwriting.