Ben Folds mainly made a name for himself as the frontman of Ben Folds Five. He founded this group in 1994, together with bassist Robert Sledge and drummer Darren Jessee. The guitar-less trio was a breath of fresh air among the average alternative bands of the '90s. Their sound was reminiscent of names like Todd Rundgren, Jellyfish, Early Joe Jackson and piano artists like Billy Joel and early Elton John. Although the group displayed the energy of a punk band in their live shows, the melancholic song “
Brick” was their big breakthrough in 1997.
In 2001, Ben Folds went solo. In October this year he released his third album “
Supersunnyspeedgraphic, The LP”. An album full of songs from his rare internet EPs, B-sides, covers and soundtracks. In his music you recognize the softer side of the Scissor Sisters, but it is just as reminiscent of Eels, The New Radicals, Beck and Sean Lennon. Wonderful pop songs with a raw edge here and there. Strong drum accents and melancholic piano pieces reinforce each other. With a lot of drama, a hint of hope, a yearning voice and some witty winks, Ben Folds and his band tear you out of the daily grind and after the concert you collapse back into the world lighter than ever.
