Exploring social themes like the aftermath of the banking crisis, as well as personal stories of relationships and redemption, Ezra Bendigo is an intriguing prospect from the folk artist of the same name.

By Graeme Smith

Ezra Bendigo is a folk and Americana artist based in Byfield, Northamptonshire. A hand injury means he has to play his guitar in reverse, but that hasn’t stopped him penning an album and going on tour.

His new, self-titled album has got his music on our radar, and drew me in with its powerful lyrics that explore social themes as much as giving us an insight into his own journey.

It starts with the melancholic storytelling track Walked In The Water. I was immediately struck by the poetry of Ezra’s lyrics, and how they are delivered with such character by his vocals. Raw acoustic guitar provides the musical accompaniment and we know straight away what we’re going to get – folk for lovers of the classics like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.

Each of Ezra’s tracks have a lot to say about the modern world. Rain Will Come takes things in an almost spoken-word direction and tells a story of wealth inequality. The Red Barn recounts an old folk story with a feminist twist while the moody, haunting Life Moves at an Empty Pace is more introspective, exploring the emotional damage caused by a break-up.

Album highlights also include the visceral storytelling of Lost in London which takes on loss and homelessness, the observant and personal Blue Letter, the bluesy Johnny’s In A Virtual World, and the image-laden Congreve’s Ship.

With his DIY approach, his distinctive vocals, and classic singer songwriter style, there’s a lot to love about Ezra’s music. He’s certainly doing things his own way and that makes his music highly engaging. His self-titled album is a bittersweet joy.

Ezra Bendigo is out now and you can check it out below.