Made up of lead man Ben Wilson, whose creative repertoire spans singing, songwriting, keyboard and guitar playing, and his long-time friend and established drummer Rob Avsharian, Wilson Arms is an eclectic, blues-driven musical project relentlessly dedicated to preserving the stylistic caliber of roots sound with their authentic sound that is as nostalgic as it is relevant, unheard of, and still familiar, and one that rests on the touchstone of timeless excellence. This is the kind of music that makes you go, ‘wow, what’s that I just heard…can I play that again?’ Believe me, the hype is real. Don’t be surprised to find Wilson Arms so much better than your favorite rock and pop musicians and bands…it just comes naturally!
10 tracks make up Wilson Arms’ latest album “Heroes and Hangman” where they take a listener on this eventful and adventurous journey, the music bewitching and beguiling and leaving you better than it found you. The signature blues-flavored sound, backed by synthetic innovation and awe-inspiring keyboard and guitar playing, not forgetting the agreeably fine vocals, will leave you emotionally and physically gratified.
The opener “Hidden Treasure” is exactly that: a sonic gem with some fine guitar tuning off the bat, complemented by the visible synths and the luminous vocals that work in close tandem with the instrumentation for a fulfilling listening experience. The track is dynamic with some subtle reggae-like charms, and as it progresses, Wilson Arms immerses you into its soulful reminiscence of yesteryear as they tell a gripping story that is memorable, giving off energy and dedication that leaves an indelible imprint on the heart and soul of the listener.
“Mission To Mars” is another bona fide. I like how balanced the guitar and drums are, bouncing off one another with the synths adding depth. As the song progresses, the keys inject that cinematic allure, elevating the track’s appeal in immeasurable ways. Wilson’s vocals are purposeful as he drives the song forward, his expressive timbre capturing the essence of humans’ insatiable spirits, echoed in the case of a somewhat intricate relationship that can or cannot go wrong.
“Lemmings” has an alluringly beautiful pop foundation that is immediately met by the vocal preparedness of Wilson in what can be seen as a fascinatingly poetic ode to the track’s title. There is that visible poignancy to the track, perhaps mirroring its deep inspiration that needed to be said out loud. This tune underscores Wilson Arm’s limitlessness when it comes to their diverse and cohesive sound.
The title track “Heroes and Hangmen” features subtle hi-hat hits and candid vocals, setting an immediate tone for the track before it grows with the full swing of the drums unleashed and dropped with a punchy appeal, seamlessly blending with the guitars and keys for something so delightful and haunting. This tune is a blend of sophistication and depth; its unforgettable chorus is something a listener finds themselves looking forward to.
The critically acclaimed “Bleeding Heart” cuts its lively and catchy demeanor. The synth wave at the intro and the upbeat form this tune adopts make it infectiously irresistible. Envision yourself dancing joyfully across the floor of your house to this song, volume at its maximum as you mimic a live concert performance, invincible mic at hand as you get your equally invincibly nonexistent audience all hyped and fired up (I’m not the only one who does this, right?)
With “Houdini,” Wilson Arms offers escapism in its palpable sonic form, their captivating profundity so close you can feel it and near-touch it. The guitar solos, exquisite keys, flavored bass, and nourished vocals are all my favorite bits about this particular jam.
I often pride myself on leaving something for the imagination, and that’s why I’ll stop here. For anyone who loves and appreciates genuine music craft backed by that innovative spirit, “Heroes and Hangmen” is exactly what you’ve been craving for, and here, it is served delectably by people whose passion and heart for making good music can never be questioned.
Savor this original and dynamic body of work.