KEY POINTS:
You can take Children, the opening instrumental track from Tommy's second album, one of two ways: like you'd imagine a new TrinityRoots' album to start (if there was one), or as the soundtrack to a lavish promotional ad for our beautiful country. Either way, it's a lilting and uplifting introduction.
It's a shame then that on Call To America, local singer, songwriter and guitarist Tommy Benefield sounds like Ed Kowalczyk from American band Live. It's a stinker, and instead of his usual passionate tones, he becomes a whining American rocker. It's a weak song on an otherwise solid album that overall is more akin to Jack Johnson, Ben Harper and TrinityRoots than Live.
However, this is a strange record because of Benefield's many styles, taking in rock, reggae, ska, hip-hop and dance. Angels produces its most fiery moment, but the album is mostly dominated by the brooding and reflective tracks.
Benefield has a lot to get off his chest, but he'd be better to not take himself so seriously and free himself from the self-indulgence of six minute-plus tracks like Naked. When he does, there are some great tunes here like the skanking Dancehall and Ethereal War, and the lovesick title track.
Label: Loop
Verdict: Local rootsy rock that's a touch too indulgent
