(*****) Faintheartedness, the second solo work from ex-Goldenhorse guitar/vocalist/songwriter Ben King, but first under the moniker Grand Rapids, started as a limited release giveaway about a year ago. It was an experiment to test the waters, and the test came back positive. Since then there have only been a couple of minor changes for this …
(**** 1/2) Ben King has recorded before, solo and as a member of Goldenhorse but this is the first release as Grand Rapids; essentially the new Ben King solo album. It’s picture-perfect pop with references to 1980s radio-ready hits, to the powerpop of the late 1970s and the revival of that sound from the mid-1990s. …
(****) The title is presumably heavily ironic on this, the second solo album from former Goldenhorse member, Ben King. Just listen to the single “Singing Showers Golden Lights” and it’s clear that this is an unusually brave pop record as King multi-tracks a lovesick Wall Of Ben choir over an auto-pilot synth and pounding drums. This track alone would be worth the cover …
Formerly a leading jockey with Goldenhorse, Ben King steps out from the stable for the second time with a new moniker – Grand Rapids. Loading the house band up with the likes of Andrew Keoghan and Gareth Thomas for good measure, this time King is giving ‘Faintheartedness’ a proper release (having brought it into this …