(Ben Shepherd) HBS: In Deep Owl

8.8

This is a unique solo record from the notoriously off-beat Soundgarden bassist- Ben Shepherd. Most of it does sound like his solo contributions to the band, song's like "Head Down" or "Zero Chance", that detuned acoustic Seattle rock vibe, but this is more extensive and vocally passionate. His voice is reminiscent of early Tom Waits or Mark Lanegan. Ben Shepherd comes out as a singer/songwriter with a vision of his own. It's dark, moody, rainy day music yet brilliant, experimental and lyrically sincere. He is an original, a persona of his own. There are heavier tracks scattered throughout the record, particularly the song "Baron Robber" is as good as any Soundgarden song. The compositions are unpredictable, rhythmically adventurous and melodically unusual. It's far from a 'Pop' album, but there are elements of stoner 1970's classic rock. The avant gardeness of it is subtle, it's a grower, but I do believe Ben Shepherd enters the realm of 'solo artists' with a bang as loud as his band.