Housing, bumble bees, camping space at Glastonbury. All things this country is lacking in. One thing we are not lacking in are run-of-the-mill guys with guitars. Ben Montague, for all his best efforts, can’t quite pull himself out of this category, with his third studio album, Back Into Paradise, failing to make any kind of significant leap away from the likes of Ed Sheeran et al.

That’s not to say Back Into Paradise isn’t a pleasant enough endeavour. The title track demonstrates Montague’s knack for melody and instrumentation, with brass instruments creating a rousing contrast to the softer elements of the track. ‘Serendipity’ has some promising harmonies, and penultimate track ‘The Meaning’ at least makes sure you’re awake for the album closer.

However, the record has a overwhelming sense of mediocrity that it never quite manages to shake off. ‘Another Chance’, obviously an attempt at a slow, sentimental, mid-album track, is another of those lamenting, self-pitying tracks heard thousands of times before by similar artists. Montague’s vocals also add to this overwhelming sense of mediocrity. His voice seems to come more from a boy band tradition than a stand alone singer/songwriter – think more Boyzone than Paolo Nutini. It is not unique or powerful enough to be able to carry songs purely by itself; you’re left waiting for a Ronan Keating to provide some contrast to Montague’s boy-next-door vocals. Not something often wished for in a record.

While Montague is far from dire, his third record can’t help but leave the listener with a feeling of wanting more. The major problem is that there is nothing revolutionary or different about Back Into Paradise. To be a successful male solo artist in the current climate, you need something more than just the ability to carry a tune and strum a few chords on a guitar. His diverse use of instruments is commendable, but is not enough to raise this album into something special enough to make a significant impact on any current scene. His songs seem more suited to the shopping street and tube station venues of buskers than any arenas, and look set to be received in a similar way to those same buskers: pleasant, tame, and instantly forgettable.

Back Into Paradise is out now via MWM Ltd.

Tara Hodgson
@tarahodgson