It has been almost a year since the last time Ben Kweller played a show in NYC. Last April, Ben was wrapping up a tour for his first release, Sha Sha, which saw him cross the country multiple times and bring his world wary voice and confessional lyrics around the world. A year later, Ben is back in NYC for the release of his sophomore effort, On My Way.
Playing the first show in a three night sold-out stint at Irving Plaza with Death Cab for Cutie, Benís excitement to be back in his adopted hometown radiated off the stage as he debuted tracks from the new record to a crowd packed with fans and friends. Alternating between guitar and piano, full band and solo acoustic numbers, Ben commanded the stage for over an hour. As evidenced last night, the main difference between On My Way and Sha Sha is the raw, live feel that has been captured on the newer tracks, a wise move, considering how much power, passion and excitement Ben brings to his live performances. Old favorite sing-alongs (ìWasted & Ready,î ìIn Other Wordsî) were seamlessly intertwined with a number of new tracks from On My Way, including the driving rock of the albumís opening track ìI Need You Backî and the anti-folk title track ìOn My Way.î
Performing his cover of ìIce Ice Baby,î Ben shouted, ìBKís back with a brand new editionî to cheers and applause from the crowd. The man is indeed back, with a batch of new tunes and a live show that is not to be missed.
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