Album Review: Orange Avenue by Ben Reneer

_{By Ben Mueller}

Although it’s been a very hot and dry summer so far, I couldn’t help but imagine being cozied up inside listening to the rain on the windows while a storm rages outside. That’s the kind of imagery Ben Reneer’s new EP, Orange Avenue, inspires in the mind of the listener.

Reneer teamed up with several local artists on this record. Songs feature the likes of Katie Lee Cragun, Paul Woodward, and Savannah Keenan Kroff. The arrangements are organic, with string instruments, piano, acoustic guitar, beautiful harmonies, and a much too short banjo feature. Seriously, the banjo feature in the title track had me craving more.

Ben Reneer has made some striking songs here. He writes straight from the heart. His songs are thought provoking and creative, melancholy and emotional. The delivery feels relatable, and his tunes are easy to sing along with.

Basically, if you never got matches on Tinder; if you recently had a bad break up; if you and your significant other have ever had a rough go, listen to these songs. And hey – if you have a perfect life and perfect relationships, still listen to this album! Even if it’s just so you can remind yourself what us normal people experience and how lucky you are.

Joking aside, the songs are eloquently and professionally put together, and Ben Reneer succeeds at reminding us what love and heartbreak really feel like.

Ben is playing at the Best In Music Acoustic Concert Series on August 23rd, so if you love his stuff, he will in no doubt love to see you there. Be sure to like Ben Reneer’s Facebook page, and listen to Orange Avenue right here on Spotify. You can listen to the title track to the EP below.