:: Damien Binder - While The Wind’s At Your Back

Damien Binder

There is simply no doubting the talent of New Zealand singer/songwriter Damien Binder. As we have come to expect from him his third album (titled ‘While The Wind’s At Your Back’) is a great listen, and you certainly wouldn’t be wasting your time going out and grabbing a copy, but my biggest fear is that this album lacks that ‘big single’ that will put the album on the map. If you love smooth acoustic music then you will certainly wanna hear opening track ‘Breathing’ while ‘Too Late (To Learn To Crawl)’ showcases Binder’s diversity as there is a distinct country feel to the track. ‘Really Want’ is as catchy-as-all-hell but it certainly isn’t the ‘single’ that will guarantee radio play. Fans of artists such as Alex Lloyd or Pete Murray should give a listen to ‘Gotta Run’… which I absolutely loved, and it is well supported by the great sounding ‘Not For Free.’ Binder even manages to pull off a slow ballad like ‘Damage’ without any sign of cheesiness… he also delivers the track with feeling… something that so many artists lack these days. ‘Take Me Under’ has a definite folk feel to it while Binder’s song-writing skills are there for all to hear on ‘Only Chances’. The rockier feel of ‘Iris’ really sucks you in and tracks like ‘Kind You Grow On’, ‘Wired’ and ‘Run River’ are certainly worth a listen. Personally I also loved ‘Twinkle’ and I can’t help but feel that Binder should do more of this alternative style of music. A good little album, you’ll certainly not be wasting your time with “While The Wind’s At Your Back”, I loved every second of it, and I hope more people take a chance on this album.