Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
It has been eight long years since Ben Poole’s last album release and as you slip into it there is an instant feeling of hello my old friend. You can prepare yourself as much as you want for the incredible guitar work but there can never be enough preparation for this talented son of a bitch.
With album opener and first single “No Second Chances” you will feel the changes that this album brings. Ben has obviously grown in these past eight years. This is a more laid back, more accomplished and it takes his Blues and Rock roots and twists in a bit of country. Do not be scared as this has an incredible solo slotted into this slow burner.
“Empty” kicks off with beautiful guitar tones and vocals silky and sultry. This one hit hard on me personally, as the song is about mental emptiness and it reminded of a relative who had Alzheimer’s. The song captures not only the effect on the person but the loss everyone around them feels. A truly stunning song.
On “Time Has No Mercy” we get the scuzzy guitar out and as well known Drummer Wayne Proctor lays down the beat the song takes us forward with and into another insane solo.
Steve Amadeo kicks off “Living on Repeat” with the dirtiest bass I have heard all year. It brings the groove that this track lives on. The riffs are crunchy and this is filled to the brim with deep soul. We can all take heed of the message of breaking out of a rut.
“Summer Haze” has a stunningly produced guitar opening and as you would expect this song is uplifting. It plays with an indie sound and the guitar is more like a constant effect throughout.
Next up and Ben has roped in some outstanding help in Elles Bailey on “Runaway Souls”. What a choice as she elevates this track to unforgettable. This is more in Ben’s Blues wheelhouse and like those monsters from his past this kicks like a mule.
We have all had those nights where you lie awake with sleep eluding you so say hello to “Searching”. All those disjointed thoughts you have are perfectly described here. The song flits in and out like rational thoughts disappearing on your pillow and as it builds you can feel the frustration as the clock hands tick nearer to daylight.
The atmosphere is thick on “Nothing To You”. The song has some driving guitars and has a groove that was made for letting the frustrations of the day disappear. This is a slowed down rocker with a guitar solo that is furious.
“Start of the End” is one hell of a journey. You feel the weight of the world on your shoulders as this starts. The song pushes you down, it tries to overcome and destroy you before finding an internal solution that lifts you and shows you the light at the end of the tunnel. This is a new journey for Ben, a new direction but it is big, bold and beautiful.
It has been far to long between releases but Post – Midnight Behaviour is worth every second of the wait. This is an all new Ben Poole, new directions, new attitude and songwriting that has evolved. This is a stunning collection of songs that embraces the old statement filled with blood, sweat and tears. Ben Poole is most definitely back!
“POST-MIDNIGHT BEHAVIOUR”
NEW ALBUM RELEASED FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
PRE-ORDER CD & VINYL | PRE-SAVE DIGITAL
BEN POOLE
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