Spinning Head

Description

Spinning Head is an eight-track CD-EP by the South African electronic pop/rock band The Benjamin Gate, independently released by the band in 1999. The album was recorded and mixed by Paris Lucas at Paris Studios in Cape Town, South Africa; 12-17 December 1998, with manager Marc “Thux” Theodosiou and the band producing. Mastered in the US by Eric Wolf at Wolf Mastering in Nashville, Tennessee.

The South African rock band was formed in 1998, following the motor vehicle accident and subsequent death of a mutual friend and fellow musician, Benjamin Herbert. Their name, which was also the name of one the entrances into the original city of Jerusalem, was chosen as a tribute to him. The band, along with their manager and co-songwriter Marc “Thux” Theodosiou, left Port Elizabeth and came to the United States in 2001 after David Bach at ForeFront Records heard their demo that they had sent to Nashville for mastering.

Refreshingly stylistically, South Africa’s The Benjamin Gate have come up with a superb introductory disc for those with ears to hear. Passionately raw and well executed, ‘Spinning Head’ is packed full of jangly guitars, rounded drum tones, thumping bass lines and the superb vocal delivery of Adrienne; all combining to create a moody, abrasive sonic sound scape, reminiscent in part of early U2. The Gate think nothing of providing the listener with a bare bone knuckle ride both musically and lyrically; pulling no punches as they honestly express their faith amidst the toils and struggles of life. While commendable, not all will appreciate or understand the honesty with which they write. Personally, I find it refreshing when bands such as The Gate open themselves up before a parched world, willing to allow themselves to become painfully vulnerable from a faithful perspective, allowing the light of Christ to shine in the midst of their own brokenness; enabling those burdened and heavy laden, to realise the living hope that comes by placing their faith in Jesus. Highly recommended. [Alex Figgis, Cross Rhythms, December 1999]

CD-EP tracklist:

01. To Get Thru
02. Parent
03. Love’s Not Love
04. Trench Prayer
05. Drown
06. Draw Water
07. Thumping Friends
08. The Healing