Artist: Ben Ryan: vocals, piano, guitar and bass; Brandon Christy: drums
EP: ‘Abacus’
Producer: David Tallarico
Clinging to a lingering goal that no longer brings them happiness can cause unrelenting confusion for many people who don’t possess the courage to chase their newest dreams. But singer-songwriter Ben Ryan is instead the type of person who refuses to allow the uncertainty of the future from him pursuing his new ambitions. On his newly released six-track EP, ‘Abacus,’ the Vancouver-based musician proves that he’s determined to discover who he is as a person, even if it means that he has to follow an unclear path to find happiness. The former economics student at the University of British Columbia, who felt burnt out from his studies, decided to put his seduction on hold and search for his true passion. As a result, he felt like he finally found his true identity while freely expressing himself as he recorded the album.
‘Abacus’ opens with one of its best entries, ‘Peru,’ a pop-fueled composition that’s driven by its empowering drums and piano. The compelling harmonics and dynamic rhythm emphasizes Ryan’s admission that he hasn’t been home in a long time. The singer emotionally reflects on how his laughter and pain have both influenced him, as he tries to adjust to way the world is now.
The sophomore effort on the musician’s latest record is the thought-provoking pop song, ‘Never Go,’ which is noteworthy for its One Republic-inspired vocals, lyrics and instrumentation. Ryan croons about how he tries to convince the woman he’s involved with to help him better understand what she’s going through. With the support of a commanding piano, the singer urges her to tell him she’ll never let go.
‘Never Go’ then transitions into the mellow track, ‘Gold,’ which is driven by a soothing guitar. The tune is intriguing for then incorporating a funky beat that’s driven by edgy harmonies. The instrumentation eventually becomes alluringly driven by alt-rock and jazz riffs and beats, as Ryan croons how the woman he’s involved with is trying to hypnotize him.
The next entry on ‘Abacus’ is the pulsating song, ‘Home,’ which features a bass drum that provides a foundational beat. Also driven by a trembling piano, Ryan urges the woman he’s involved with not to allow him to get away with everything, as he wants to change so he can no longer hurt her. As the musician claims he’s determined to leave his baggage at home, the tune proves that it has the potential to become a commercial radio hit.
The penultimate entry on ‘Abacus’ is another one of its best songs, ‘Roof & Rain.’ The track uniquely blends pop and folk vocals and instrumentation into a resilient lullaby. Aided by stellar guitar riffs, Ray admits that he has finally realized that not everything in relationships is clearly morally defined. So he’s determined to wait for her until she’s ready to work on their relationship, as he’s determined to working on mending their differences. The emotional grip that the woman has on the musician, and his need to wait for her until she’s ready to mend their connection, makes the song the perfect candidate for a passionate scene between significant others in a movie scene.
Ryan’s new EP ends with the innovative piano pop track, ‘Diamond Mine.’ Much in the singing and instrumental vein of Billy Joel, the enthralling tune features the singer crooning how he longs to be home. But he’s also driven to search for the woman he loves, as she’s the he’s after.
Grasping onto a persistent goal that no longer brings them satisfaction can cause unrelenting sorrow for many people who don’t possess the bravery to chase their latest dreams. But Ryan is one such person who refuses to allow his fears of the ambiguity of the future from him pursuing his new desires. With ‘Abacus,’ the singer-songwriter proves that he’s determined to discover who he is as a person, even if it means that he has to follow an ambitious path to find happiness and his true identity.
For more information on Ryan, visit his Facebook, Bandcamp and SoundCloud pages.
