Following on from a string of recent releases, including this one on the famed Slumberland, D.A. Stern is back with an EP that's as light as air. People Named Ben, out this Friday, is full of indie-pop that's expertly constructed and as catchy as can be.
The EP opens with the title cut, a composition that reminds me of stuff from Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds. Stern is tracing his own path, of course, but he's in direct lineage to some of the best of the recent decades. "Jacket on my Birthday", a number that seems like it was written for a Wes Anderson film, is a real highlight here, while "Campfire", an instrumental, cribs from The High Llamas for its chamber rock procession. "I Look at Every Face (Cindy)", a sun-dappled slice of West Coast pop, is just a delight. Every selection here is perfect music for a summer adventure.
People Named Ben is out on Friday. More details via the official D.A. Stern website.
[Photo: D.A. Stern Bandcamp]