This review looks at “No Second Chances”, taken from the forthcoming album Post-Midnight Behaviour, due for release through Gypsy Soul Records on September 25. The single itself arrived on July 3 and is now available across all major streaming platforms.
The last time I came across Ben Poole was when reviewing the excellent Matt Long tribute album, “With a Little Help From My Friends,” where he appeared alongside Brave Rival, The Cinelli Brothers and a host of other talented musicians. It remains a charity release supporting a wonderful cause, and I link it here.
Post-Midnight Behaviour is Ben Poole’s first studio album of new material in eight years, following 2018’s critically acclaimed Anytime You Need Me. While firmly rooted in blues rock, the new record also promises to explore fresh musical territory.
The press release describes the single as:
“A dark, layered opener that sets the tone for the album. Driven by power chords and raw emotion, it follows a man walking away from a relationship that cannot be saved. ‘I’ve tried to understand what you’re searching for. While caught in the battleground of your internal war.’ It builds steadily to one of Ben’s signature guitar solos.”
My Review:
An acid test of any song for me is simply whether I enjoy listening to it—and that becomes increasingly important when you spend so much time reviewing new music. I’m pleased to say I did enjoy this one. It is perhaps lighter than I expected, with more than a hint of Americana woven into its blues rock foundations.
Running to 5:43, it is an expansive piece and a confident choice to open the forthcoming album. It begins with a hard-edged blend of guitar and drums before Ben’s melodic vocal explores the frustrations of trying to understand someone whose inner battles seem impossible to reach. The song longs for change in another person—something I rather cynically suspect rarely happens.
The chorus is instantly memorable, while Ben demonstrates the creative confidence to give the song emotional depth without sacrificing its accessibility. There is a broad appeal to “No Second Chances” that reaches well beyond the traditional blues audience. Add some finely judged guitar work, particularly in the closing stages, and this is an impressive introduction to what promises to be an intriguing new album. I’m certainly looking forward to hearing what comes next.
If “No Second Chances” is a reliable indicator of the quality to come, then Post-Midnight Behaviour could prove to be one of the more interesting blues rock releases of the autumn. Ben Poole has set the bar high with this opening statement, and it will be fascinating to hear where the rest of the album takes us.
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