Review: Donny Benét - Forbidden Love (Australian indie review)
- by Peter Källman
- in Reviews
Donny Benét just released a new 3-track single titled “Forbidden Love” with previously released tracks "American Dream","Multiply," and the new track being "Forbidden Love." To many indieheads, Donny Benét is sort of a godfather figure. He is not on the same level of popularity as many other indie acts; some would argue undeservingly so. I think so too. As for his fans, I think they are a very dedicated bunch.
The song "Forbidden Love" sounds like something you would find yourself comfortable with if you like artists such as Benny Sings or Mac Demarco. A lot of acts in the current stream of shoegaze music also use similar sound choices and melodies. I think if I had to describe it, it sounds a little bit like dancing on clouds. Just a very dreamy soundscape, but not dreamy enough so that you completely lose the groove. This track is super tight and groovy while still keeping a dreamy atmosphere. This is usually pretty hard to get right because when you make something sound dreamy, you add a bunch of reverb and other effects that might make the sounds appear to be further away than they actually are. If you reverberate the drums and the instruments, they appear further away. So which drum-kit are you likely more able to dance to, assuming they are both as loud? The one that is playing from a mountaintop echoing out in every direction, or the kit inside the concert venue that is pumping streamlined groove right in your direction? Well, whatever the case, Donny Benét shows that he has mastered his particular style.
I would say one thing that sets Donny apart is his voice (of course) and also his very, very tasteful use of synths. A lot of indie and Shoegaze has focused on the guitar and song. Like how classic singer-songwriters do it. However, Donny’s track feels more like a dance between the bass, drums, synths with some nice songs on top. As far as the song and what it means, he is stating it clearly in the title. He is singing from what I think about how hard it is to resist something that is forbidden. If you visit Donny’s Spotify page and scroll down to the bottom, you will see him eating a plate of pasta and meatballs with a special look in his eyes. Marvel at the extremely musical, slightly enigmatic but way too lovable artist that is Donny Benét. Also, take a few minutes to try a track. I think it will do good!
