Back Into Paradise by Ben Montague

Out now, released through Pledge Music and his own new record label, MWM Ltd

Singer/songwriter, Ben Montague, has created an album of new beginnings, with the sounds of guitar, in all its guises, at the core.

The title track has a happy tone despite being a break-up song. Ben's warm vocals permeate through the orchestral build-up over central guitar strum.

The Meaning is a gutsy, rock number played out on full electric guitar, while Sleeping is a sad song, mournful and haunting with some tingling finger-picking guitar.

Looking For Love has a mix of upbeat keyboards and soft guitar that rock up into a blues onslaught, over lovely lyrics that could easily be taken for a poem.

Runaway is a song for youth, with all the excitement and freshness of what the future may hold, before cynics cloud the dreams.

Another Chance is the parting of the ways, in all its anguish, with a choral backing that whispers of Gospel.

The stand out track for me is Serendipity, a harder-edged offering that lives up to its name of a happy chance, a pop rock blockbuster. I look forward to seeing Ben perform this live when he comes to The Vic in Swindon on Thursday, October 22.

We Start Over is in keeping with the theme of Phoenix rising, a powerful ballad with strings lacing over guitar backbone.

Gonna Love Again is the shoulder to cry on, comforting track yet poignant.

We finish with a cover, Best of You, written by Michael Grohl of the Foo Fighters.

Cover it may be, but it is definitely given the Ben Montague treatment, stripped back and raw but with definite class.

The album ends where it begins with the heartfelt message of hope springs eternal. - Flicky Harrison

Ben will be playing songs from the album when he comes to Swindon on Thursday, October 22 to play at The Vic, Victoria Road in Old Town from 8pm.