For this self confessed Harper nerd, the prospect of a Ben show without trusty sidekicks The Innocent Criminals was quite the sizeable headf*ck. Harper's shows with the IC's have deservedly achieved legendary status over the years, inducing mass hysteria amongst crowds across the globe (seriously, if I hear another 'Ben I love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!' drunkenly delivered during an acoustic number I may just have a 'Falling Down' moment) and drawing plaudits from a hugely diverse range of observers. That said, I'm convinced that now was the right time for a change; whilst his last two records with the Innocent Criminals satisfied to an extent, the listener couldn't shake the suspicion that the Ben and the band were edging somewhat dangerously towards 'going through the motions' territory. In the live arena, having played with the IC's for the majority of his 15 year career, you can forgive both Ben and the band for wanting to move on to pastures new.
So what to make of Ben's latest venture, Relentless7? As they shuffle somewhat uncermeoniously onto the stage in front of a packed HMV Forum, it quickly becomes apparent that this is a band stripped down the bare essentials; drums, bass, guitar and a shed load of soul. Relentless7 is a rock band in the truest sense and, rest assured, these boys rock hard. As they tear through a monster two hour set, the first thing you notice is just how invigorated Harper seems. Ben's shows have always been intense, but there's a freshness and a new found exuberance here that eminates from the great man throughout. The band follow Harper's lead; limbs flail, broken drumsticks fly across the stage with joyous regularity and a eye popping number of six stringers are shredded.
Put simply, these new cuts sound sensational. An incendiary 8 minute rendition of 'Keep It Together' is the night's highlight for this particular reviewer, Harper's electrifying lap slide sending clenched fists skyward and jaws floorbound. Current single 'Shimmer and Shine' fuzzed out brilliance feels instantly familiar, whilst the bluesy swagger of 'Number With No Name' rocks the joint to it's innermost core. Despite the guitar pyrotechnics on show, inevitably it's the more introspective pieces that threaten to steal the show; 'Faithfully Remain' and 'Skin Thin' are classic Harper, both perfectly showcasing his soul drenched vocal stylings. At one stage Harper moves away from the mic, serenading the near 2000 capacity venue with some bare bones acapella. Spine tingling stuff indeed.
So what to make of Ben's latest venture, Relentless7? As they shuffle somewhat uncermeoniously onto the stage in front of a packed HMV Forum, it quickly becomes apparent that this is a band stripped down the bare essentials; drums, bass, guitar and a shed load of soul. Relentless7 is a rock band in the truest sense and, rest assured, these boys rock hard. As they tear through a monster two hour set, the first thing you notice is just how invigorated Harper seems. Ben's shows have always been intense, but there's a freshness and a new found exuberance here that eminates from the great man throughout. The band follow Harper's lead; limbs flail, broken drumsticks fly across the stage with joyous regularity and a eye popping number of six stringers are shredded.Put simply, these new cuts sound sensational. An incendiary 8 minute rendition of 'Keep It Together' is the night's highlight for this particular reviewer, Harper's electrifying lap slide sending clenched fists skyward and jaws floorbound. Current single 'Shimmer and Shine' fuzzed out brilliance feels instantly familiar, whilst the bluesy swagger of 'Number With No Name' rocks the joint to it's innermost core. Despite the guitar pyrotechnics on show, inevitably it's the more introspective pieces that threaten to steal the show; 'Faithfully Remain' and 'Skin Thin' are classic Harper, both perfectly showcasing his soul drenched vocal stylings. At one stage Harper moves away from the mic, serenading the near 2000 capacity venue with some bare bones acapella. Spine tingling stuff indeed.
But what about the old stuff I hear you cry? Well, a revamped 'Better Way' and a gorgeous full band version of 'Another Lonely Day' go some way to placating those craving a Harper nostalgia fix, but the band leave it at that. A wise move in my book; after all, this show is about Relentless7 and on this performance it's clear that their material is more than strong enough to carry a headline slot on it's own merit.
In what seems like no time at all, the hordes of satisfied gig-goers are shuffling back off into the London night time, although not before a crowd pleasing cover of 'Under Pressure' (for a few panic striken seconds I feared for an ill chosen Vanilla Ice cover...bullet dodged there methinks) is unleashed upon the sweaty masses. If they didn't know who Relentless7 were before tonight, they most certainly do now. Whilst Harper was always going to be the star attraction, the rest of the lads deserve huge praise; the tightness of tonight's show and the obvious chemistry within the band belies the fact that this is a relatively new venture for all concerned. To nick a choice phrase off one punter outside the venue, shows this good are - and I quote - 'rarer than a pregnant nun'. 'Nuff said.
Ben Harper & Relentless7 release their debut album 'White Lies For Dark Times' (Virgin) on April 27th. Look out ADN's review on episode 3, coming soon.
Don't want to take our word for how good the show was? Here's what the good people of London town had to tell the roving ADN reporters...
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