While touring his new homeland of Australia in 2003 in support of his debut solo album,
Rockin' the Suburbs,
Ben Folds gathered indie rock darlings
Ben Lee and
Ben Kweller for a nine-date outing down under. Effectively calling itself the Bens, the trio recorded a self-titled EP so that fans would have something to purchase at these individual shows. All 3,500 pressings sold out, leaving fans around the world overeager to add it to their respective collections while the Bens were equally earnest to deliver. This little four-track gem is strictly for die-hard followers. Those who enjoy
Kweller and
Lee as artists should also enjoy the quirky pop selection.
Folds is somewhat of a father figure to the younger Bens, and together their harmonies are matchless. Each comprises a dash of humor and innocence, and songs such as "Stop!" and "Xfire" (pronounced "crossfire") showcase such delight. For
Ben Folds loyalists, it's the classic piano and melodies of "Bruised" that say it all. ~ MacKenzie Wilson