Folk/Review Ben Heyworth - Creatures

Ben Heyworth is a singer-songwriter based in Manchester, UK. “Older, wiser, and steeped in introspection, Heyworth returns under his own name with a new sonic compass: one that points not to spectacle but to story, to subtlety, to soul. A warm map of memory and meaning.” Formerly known as This Morning Call.

Ben Heyworth, a seasoned musician whose musical sensibilities remain razor-sharp, makes a welcome comeback with “Creatures.” Heyworth returns with a sophisticated, reflective edge after a long absence; he is older, wiser, and rooted in the rich textures of his Manchester home. The EP pulses with the gentle charm of everyday life recounted via a "urban folk" lens, and it pays a heartfelt homage to the peculiarities and personalities of the city, especially those who dwell in the diverse Ancoats harbor.

With parts evocative of Jordan Rakei, Damon Albarn, and Crowded House, “Creatures'“ music strikes a sophisticated balance between contemporary soul and British indie nostalgia. Rich harmonies, analog warmth, and the occasional mischievous surprise—a gritty organ note here, a flash of jazz-flecked guitar there—are all combined with Heyworth's fluid, effortless singing. His arrangements have the sensation of an open window into a world that is familiar but has been transformed by love and care.

The EP's themes include community, remembrance, and the emotional legacies of locations. Songs feel like stories told over a pint, disarming in their compassion and honesty, and they are intensely personal without bordering on indulgence. Heyworth's lyrical remarks are incisive and poetic, with equal parts of humor and melancholy.

Ben Heyworth provides a master class in subtly crafted songwriting with “Creatures;” it is distinctly British in tone yet has a universally relatable heart. Longtime listeners already knew that some voices only get more beautiful with time, and this collection's understated charm simply serves to reinforce that.