Posted on 05/21/2009
The last time we heard from Ben Harper, he teamed with the Innocent Criminals to deliver the Lifeline LP, a no-frills, acoustic album recorded in Paris and heavily influenced by classic rock, folk and the blues. On Harper's latest offering, White Lies for Dark Times, "no-frills" remains the common theme, as the California native joins forces with Relentless7 to serve some raw, high-powered rock and roll to the musical universe.

There's no denying Harper's intense work ethic. Whether it's his live albums or gospel tracks with the Blind Boys of Alabama, the man has recorded reams of eclectic music over the last 15 years and cultivated a diversified global fan base. On White Lies, Harper reverts to the simple days of rock music: pulsating drums, guitar, and heavy bass to accentuate the rhythm. Listeners will be satisfied with the stripped-down sound of Harper and Relentless7, although the album might inadvertently run them into a wall. As furious as the album begins, it slows down just as suddenly without much warning. Still, White Lies for Dark Times feels complete, as Harper sings about suicide prevention, the search for happiness, and turbulent romance, among other things.

Harper doesn't waste time on this 11-track player, opening the album with the folk rock-tinged "Number With No Name," where he boasts the very thing that drives you, can drive you insane. That song transitions into the upbeat, yet emotional "Up To You Now," where Harper bemoans the apparent separation from a loved one. "Lay There & Hate Me" seems like the continuation of the aforementioned song, just turned on its ear. "Never trust a woman," Harper shouts. "Never trust a woman who loves the blues." But it's on "Keep It Together (So I Can Fall Apart)" where he and the band shine. The song is a team effort, but drummer Jordan Richardson is easily the song's MVP, as the kick, snare, and symbols reverberate through any headset or car you may be driving. Harper slows down the pace considerably on the album's last two tracks, "The Word Suicide" and "Faithfully Remain."

It's tough to classify Ben Harper's fan base. Are they southern folk music fanatics? Do they like good ol' fashioned blues music? Are they rock and roll stoners? Most likely, all of these answers are correct, as Harper has provided something for everyone over the years. Harper fans should definitely pick up White Lies for Dark Times and enjoy the straight-up American rock sound. That is, until he links up with someone else and completely changes his tune.

- Marcus Moore