Ben Calvert & The Swifts

‘Introspective and often melancholic vocals offer the perfect picture window to redeeming an era of sound from the likes of Nick Drake. Ben’s voice has a quirky edge that is reminiscent of a male Vashti Bunyan. The orchestral sounding magic rests with his band who have a really rich full sound. Folk music served up with a splash of dark psychedelia.” (4 Stars) Folk Radio UK

‘Gentle, lilting lyrics stir up echoes of Belle and Sebastian, and greats such as Nick Drake. The lo-fi production adds a charming intimacy. A great creation.’ For Folk’s Sake

Ben Calvert & The Swifts debut album Festive Road is out now. Available on CD with booklet in low-emission recycled WeWow Wallet and on 7cm Circus Ball with digital download. Click the Bandcamp button below to preview and buy.


“A stunning collection of melancholic post-folk and classic English story telling all wrapped up in a blanket of strings, organ and piano. Ben possesses a croon that brings to mind Scott Walker, whilst the music ranges from sparse and stripped to near orchestral as The Swifts weave a majestic spell. Festive Road is a mesmeric, enchanting affair showcasing a master craftsman at his very best.” Rhythm ‘N Booze

There’s fun and darkness a plenty at the circus on the end of the pier as Summer fades and Winter kicks in. The strongman has had his power taken away from him on a fortune teller’s whim! The ringmaster is on his last legs! The trick cyclist has turned to cheap Italian wine! Meanwhile, the ghost of Mr Ben takes a stroll around his old haunts. A relentless wind blows tabloids around, bringing the news of the latest exploits of Peter Andre and Katie Price…


“Just as decaying buildings can be more interesting than pristine ones, the tracks on Festive Road benefit from being a bit of kilter. Whilst comparisons with the Divine Comedy are almost inevitable, think in the style of rather than copy. There is something of the eccentric personality to the album.”
Fatea

Festive Road reveals a sound that the band’s live shows have only been able to hint at. With songs produced by Bob Lamb (Ocean Colour Scene) and Dave McCabe, Northern English string arrangements, maudlin horns, a church organ, a bluesy piano, and toy instrumentation join guitars and drums on an album that takes Post-Folk as it’s base then nods schizophrenically in the direction of both Scott Walker’s darkest moments and Syd Barrett at his most LSD-soaked and child-like.



18 Months In The Life of…
Ben Calvert & The Swifts’ psychedelic circus alt-folk first saw the light of day in front of a few hundred avid ears and eyes when they opened the main stage of Moseley Folk Festival in the early Autumn sun last September. Since then they have played a sell-out show as support to The Jeffrey Lewis & Peter Stampfel Band, and opened for Erland & The Carnival and Hannah Peel, and Admiral Fallow, as well as playing a 90 minute set to a packed out Birmingham Symphony Hall. This Summer they played their first London show at St Pancras Station Sessions Festival.

Ben Calvert: Vocals, Guitar.
Hannah Lawson: Violin.
Saul Hillier: Bass.
Dave McCabe: Guitar.
Carlo Solazzo: Drums.

While making experimental theatre at Dartington College of Arts, Ben picked up a guitar and started writing songs immediately. Influenced by British folk, US Psychedelia and Brit-Pop, audiences and reviewers alike have been charmed by his understated lo-fi post-folk sound that has melodic, narrative, songwriting at the core.

“Finely crafted songwriting” Metro

“Resurrects the mad ghosts of Nico and Nick Drake” Virtual Festivals

“Bruised romanticism…Ben’s Cohen-esque, Smithsian melancholy enchants the building audience.” The Fly

“Lush acoustic melancholia. A troubadour whose songs are rich and full of depth, never falling into formulaic structures, Calvert is a truly talented artist who inspires me with thoughts of what could be.” Jeff Stuka, Blue Whale Blog

Follow @bencalvert
or ‘phone him on 07957 45 15 18

(Since March 30th, 2011)