British-born and New York-based, the Benjamin brothers originally came to the US with more conventional career goals, as Marcus was involved with broadcast and film, and Simon in publishing. Yet, beneath the surface of that practicality brewed something much more free-spirited. Before long, these two lifer-musicians formed the acoustic-folk duo, The Shrimps.
Already having toured several corners of the planet, this duo has quickly built a library of original music (2013’s The Shrimps; 2015’s Product), which has earned them comparisons to the likes of R.E.M., Simon & Garfunkel, and Lennon & McCartney. Their latest installment, Abstracts and Keywords, shows both purpose and growth.
Here’s what we dug most…
A dedication to life’s beautiful and perplexing mess, the acoustic guitar-based, Life We Live, is raw and minimalist; it hits home. Musicians will enjoy the guitar work, which is far more difficult than it sounds. There’s a lot of notes being played here, and the good news is—this trend continues throughout the album.
“Abstracts and Keywords captures the essence of what we’re trying to create – an honest, unpretentious otherworldly blend of sharp and rounded edges.”
—Simon Benjamin, The Shrimps
With a touch of organ/synth and flute joining in on this typically acoustic affair, Rebels tells the story of the English street upon which The Shrimps grew up—a street which produced an oddly disproportionate number of celebrity personalities.
On The Boat’s opening sequence is immediately reminiscent of 1969’s Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles. In suite with the rest of the project, this melancholy track is undeniably hopeful…
“If it’s there to find, why wait?
Stop wastin’ your time, before it’s too late
Everybody’s in the same boat, what do ya know?
If you get to live long enough, where do ya go?
It’s all ya got, when you can’t go on with the show”
Our Favorite Track:
With the addition of mandolin and a bit of bass, the lovely country ballad, Wings Of An Angel, comes out of nowhere. Genres-be-damned, it is no less effective that it’s predecessors.
The R.E.M. comparisons are plain to see on, In The Moon. Full of colorful harmonies and bright chords, at a length of just 1:42, this song stays just long enough to make you hit repeat…
“So where did the man in the moon go?
I’m wondering where could he be?
Where did the man in the moon go?
He sold off to sail out to sea.”
Grounded and authentic, Abstracts and Keywords tells stories, asks questions, and—in line with my personal bias—never pretends to know anything for sure. With raw, “non-perfected” production, in The Shrimps junior effort, listeners can experience a rare bit of what it feels and sounds like to create heart-lead, handmade music.
Whose lovechild…?
Jet hooks up with Storyhill for a Beatles-esque acoustic jam…
BELOW, you can listen to The Shrimps’ album, Abstracts and Keywords, and connect with their social media platforms. Please support The Shrimps by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
Listen to The Shrimps’ album, Abstracts and Keywords:
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