BBroadcasting from the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, Ben Nelson’s project Stare Away captures the essence of the raw rebellion that defined post-punk’s golden age while drawing inspiration from the underrated and unsung heroes of the genre. This solo venture reverberates with the spirits of the late ’70s and ’80s, weaving intricate layers of synth and bass that paved the path that propels his music forward. At its core, a restless rhythm pulsates, creating an electric tension between the past and the present, and between memory and innovation.
Nelson nods to the heroes of the old guard—the gritty charm of The Sound, the moody sway of Lowlife, the peculiar magic of The Teardrop Explodes, and the brooding soul of Joy Division But Stare Away doesn’t linger long in the past. His sound, spun with lo-fi electronics, stirs up the playful mischief of artists like Jonathan Bree, yet thrums faster, harder—like an old record played at double speed. The result is an enticing creation that dances between the familiar and the avant-garde—a seamless blend of indie rock and electronic whispers where nostalgia intertwines with bold romanticism. “Stare Away” carves its own distinctive path, a chic fusion that traverses the ages. It transports listeners to unexpected realms, inviting them to sway in the delightful in-between.
Stare Away’s latest offering, the brisk and buoyant Through On and On, reaches like a hand in the dark, seeking ‘some sort of hope.’ True to Nelson’s blueprint, a throbbing bassline drives forward, its pulse steady beneath the beat of retro drums, setting the stage for synths to swell and shimmer. Surf-rock guitar cuts through, a bright streak of sound.
Nelson’s baritone, deep and resonant, rises above it all—recalling the rich timbre of Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet. His voice moves with the same solemn grace, sweeping across the post-punk percussion and airy atmospherics, grounding the song while letting it drift skyward. The tune dances between nostalgia and something new, its rhythm propelling forward, yet holding fast to echoes from the past. Through On and On sways with hope, resilience, and the feeling that, despite it all, the beat will carry on, thumping through every twist of uncertainty.
“When creating the track at the time I was diving deep into the lyrics of the late Craig Lorentson from the Scottish group Lowlife, who’s always played a huge role for me when it comes to creating vocal melodies and writing lyrics,” says Nelson.
Listen to Through On and On below:
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