One man band Ben Averch has built a reputation for blending the Modern Rock sounds of the 80's with Alt Rock style of the 90's and third album Fortune Cookie finds him continuing in much the same vein. Taking his cue from the Bob Mould fronted Sugar, Averch also weaves some classic prog rock influences into his work, notably on the Rush-tinged opener "Love Me Anyway". Mournful vocals and melodies that twist and turn are much in evidence across the hypnotic loop of "The Hook" and angst filled "It's Getting Away From Me". The contrast between acoustic strumming and electric riffs contributes to the brooding atmosphere throughout with the mood lightened by the arena rockers "One and The Same" and "Something to Revolve Around", either of which would not have sounded out of place on anything by the Foo Fighters. Another track worth highlighting is "Landfall" which finds Averch hat seemingly his lowest ebb lyrically but also demonstrates his ability as a drummer of note with some solid rhythms.
The real issue with one man projects such as this is that there is no one else at hand to question the quality control and lyrically Fortune Cookie can come across as cloying and twee at times. But overall Averch is an unquestionable talent and has clearly devoted his heart and soul into his work and is well worth investigating.
Track Listing
01. Love Me Anyway
02. You Know I Need You
03. It's Getting Away From Me
04. The Hook
05. Valley of Your Heart
06. The World Fictive
07. To Be Real
08. Moment of Peace
09. One and the Same
10. Landfall
11. Something to Revolve Around
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