London trio
Benin City play an intriguing, eclectic blend of dance-pop, soul, hip-hop, jazz, and poetry, featuring poignant lyrics that are alternately sung, spoken, and rapped, as well as colorful yet restrained horn arrangements.
Last Night, the group's second album, was directly inspired by the closure of several significant London clubs, and is appropriately more dance-influenced than their 2013 debut. Even still, the group's songs are focused on lyrical messages rather than grooves. The words recount multiple aspects of the clubgoing experience, from the rush of a drug-fueled night out to the following morning's walk of shame. Evocative poem "This Is LDN III" is a deeply reflective,
Ginsberg-evoking portrait of inner-city London, describing late-night bus rides and starry desires. "Reluctant" is a more aggressive garage-influenced dance track aiming to confront a fear of missing out, and "All Smoke, No Fire" is a dark, trap-leaning song about pushy bouncers and the feeling of having nowhere to belong in the city. While
Benin City delve into the dark side of London city life, they never get oppressively bleak, and the songs still maintain their accessibility. It's not always completely radio-friendly, but it's not a hardcore grime mixtape either. "Not the End" concludes the album on a hopeful note, yet the optimism is still laced with uncertainty: "I heard it online somewhere, it will be better in the end." Considering how much
Benin City's lineup has changed since their formation in 2008, perhaps it isn't a surprise that they haven't quite arrived on a focused, cohesive sound yet. They certainly have something to say about the state of London nightlife, however, and it's worth paying attention to their insightful observations. ~ Paul Simpson