Steve Dexheimer
503-318-6564
"I play music because I have to. I aim to speak to people through my songs the same way I would in a deep, personal conversation. To change the way people think about themselves and others." - Portland artist Justin Bennett.
Born in a small town in Oregon, Justin grew up singing along to Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and the Eagles. Big sound and layered harmonies did something to his heart. With lyrical heros like Bill Mallonee and John Lennon, Justin was inspired to take a personal and honest approach to songwriting. Faith, affliction, prevailing; his songs touch on things he's dealt with in his own life.
With sincerity and emotive texture, intricate guitar and stick-in-your-head melodies Justin Bennett sounds at home in his songs and hopes the listener will too find a home in his art.
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"Wanting More is the debut long player from Portlander Justin Bennett, a singer/songwriter who likes a big sound and gentle harmonies. Crisp, clean production highlights the lyrical straightforwardness and honest sentiment expressed in Bennett’s sincere vocals. Musically, the album recalls early 90’s REM as well as some of Death Cab’s gentler moments. Fans of Damien Rice or Nick Drake will enjoy the sparse strings and guitar of “Another Untitled Love Songâ€. “Time†is another standout track, featuring a Keith Richards-y slide guitar, lending the song a classic/country rock vibe. Breanna Paletta’s cool, close harmonies are an integral element of Wanting More, and her and Bennett’s tightly interwoven voices are one of the many charms of the album. The rest of the band (Steve Dexheimer – Bass, Jared Knowland – Drums, Ian Knowland – Keyboards) do a rock-solid job of keeping the tunes interesting and rocking, without getting in the way of Bennett’s soulfully raspy melodies. Overall, the album has bit of a 70s folk rock vibe, with an Elliott Smith twist. Wanting More is a personal, engaging release from one of Portland’s dazzling up-and-comers."
- Peter Swenson, CD baby Editor
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