LA-based singer-songwriter Benny Mao introduces the world to his mellow blend of pop-rock on his debut release A Place Unseen.
Featuring somewhat pensive lyrics backed by sweet instrumentation, A Place Unseen is a solid, if not spectacular, freshman effort. Lyrically, Mao stays within the time-tested topics of broken romances, the innocence of childhood, and the what-could-have-been. His poetry seldom dives into the mystical or even earthy, but keeps strictly focused to the topic at hand.
For his debut, Mao made sure he had an excellent group of backing musicians. This paid off as the record sounds first-rate, deftly produced by Theo Chou and Mao. There are touches of many styles from jazzy to soft pop to shades of Sixpence None the Richer's shoe gazer sound.
Mao has a satisfying voice, although not memorable. It blends in with the music, creating a rather nice vibe to listen to.
A Place Unseen is a good album that takes no chances. Following a path taken by so many musicians before, Benny Mao has talent that shines through at various times on the record. The drawback is, just like the vocals themselves, it sort of melts into the background, more like pleasant ornamentation rather than an attention getter.
A glaring exception to this perception is the morose "Indebted," which is highlighted by beautiful guitar work and softly wistful lyrics.
Benny Mao has the tools, but has not yet discovered his true potential. A Place Unseen gives glimpses of that potential, but could have been a lot more.
3 tocks
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