This is a six-song EP that showcases the songwriting talent of Ben Lang. Lang is a Texas native who grew up in San Francisco, and plays rockin’ country music. His songs have a very acoustic and laidback feel. Lang has a very gentle approach to songwriting, and he’s clearly having fun with what he does.
The songs are catchy. The EP starts with “Houston-New Orleans,” a very upbeat track. The title cut “Modern Man” slows things down a bit, but it’s a song with definite charisma and personality. “Nailin’ It” breaks it down even more when it comes to that stripped-down feeling. Once again, Lang’s charisma carries it and leaves you in a very reflective mood. “Hollow Spaces” continues in this great spirit. By “Tee Off With Your Head,” things speed up, but the mood remains. It’s a very mathematical song with some cool Willie Nelson influences. The EP closes with “Mr. Moon,” and it’s a track that let’s you down easy with its gentle stomping.
Lang’s music has a lot of room to breath, and he presents it in a very easy-going way. It’s a country with an alternative edge. His influences show up here and there, but they manage not to corrupt the overall idea. These songs are very fitting to be played in a very intimate place where the artists can connect with the audience and maybe tell some funny stories as to how these tracks came to be.
I like the cover of this EP because the title does not fit the drawing completely. You see a cowboy on a horse with a dog overlooking a canyon. There’s nothing modern about it; the man isn’t holding a brand new phone and texting, but enjoying a ride through nature. It can be interpreted in variety of ways, but I do enjoy the traditional old feel of the painting.
Modern Man is a very laidback affair. Ben Lang shows a lot of potential, and he’s definitely onto something. It will be interesting to see what transpires next.
