by Nathan Cardiff

I am very familiar with John Benda’s work with Black on Black, where he slays on the drums. A furious and energetic percussionist who rips punk rock a new one along with his two fellow bandmates. His solo record, Time & Tide, is a clear departure from the abrasive side and lets Benda embrace his singer/songwriter talents.

Beautiful harmonies, soft instrumentation, and emotional lyrics all gather to serenade the audience. Maybe it’s the warmth in Benda’s voice that makes this record so fascinating. The vocals are loaded with heart-wrenching moments (the sparse “Fight of My Life” a prime example) and Benda marches forward with strength and a genuine love in his songs.

Time & Tide features appearances from Lydia Benda (his wife) and Justin Klaas (whom he previously collaborated earlier this year with on Klaas’ excellent What Changed? LP) giving the record a cozy and more intimate feel. The musicians wonderful relationship can be sensed and leads to a much more rewarding album. The opener “Taller” is a terrific folky tune that changes from quiet acoustics to a razor sharp electric guitar and never loses heart.

Time & Tide rises to incredible heights and keeps your spirit up, even if the tracks carry a melancholy tune. The end of the record leaves a staggering note hanging in the balance and all of us hanging with it. Benda sings, “I’ll never come back, I’ll never come back/I’ll never…” and we wonder, will it crash like the tide or fade away like time? That anticipation is all the sweeter by not knowing the outcome.

Favorite Tracks: “Taller,” “Time Won’t Believe Us,” & “Time And Tide”

by Nathan Cardiff