A Beggars Second

“Well done on the album...have been blown away! So beautiful, thoughtful and well composed.” Ezekiel Ox – Mammal, Full Scale Revolution. - Ezekiel Ox – Mammal, Full Scale Revolution

Needs and Wants is the debut album for Perth boys, A Beggars Second. Offering eleven frighteningly honest-sounding tracks on the record, the unsigned as yet duo have serenaded their way onto the music scene. The band, consisting of Ben Bowden and Mark Degebrodt, are more likely known on the Perth music circuit, but the mixture of smooth lyrics and acoustic sounds are testament to two musicians who are obviously passionate and talented at what they do.

The album covers a variety of themes ranging from love to loss and personal growth. Album opener, Mr Consumer, demonstrates Bowden’s vocal range and also some sweet banjo and percussion rhythms. The track is enjoyable to listen to; while the subject matter of the song might be darker than the music allows us to experience, the melodies and structure of the song pulls the listener in and expects us to enjoy on the first listen, and then perhaps, have a closer listen to the lyrics on the second. Choices deals with, as the title suggests, tough choices and decisions – the repercussions of taken choices represented through a key lyric, “One side has to lose”. Other key tracks on the album include Indonesian Summer, As We Move, and Embraced – these songs in particular emulating the heartfelt and honest themes that seem to recur throughout the album.

A lot of the songs on this album led me to draw some obvious comparisons with the John Butler Trio, Mumford & Sons and some of the other local acoustic acts which are beginning to find their feet and gain popularity on the radio waves. While their Myspace page indicates that the band will be doing some gigs in Perth and around regional Western Australia, I think that given half the chance, Needs and Wants could be quite successful outside that area of the country too. - Sose Fuamoli, The Dwarf.com.au.

After countless hours of mindlessly being swept away by this album, tapping away on my laptop in time to its feel good tunes, I managed to forget all about that assignment that was due tomorrow. Once able to get over the initial puppy love of this CD and objectively look at what it has to offer, it's actually unusually hard to sum it up in a few succinct sentences.

Easy listening, upbeat tunes, percussion, raw natural vocals and genuine storytelling are the best ways to describe the debut album Needs and Wants from Perth's own A Beggars Second. They're folk, they're acoustic, and they're unquestionably talented. The two-man band has created a real treat for the ears with this 11-track dark horse of a musical feast. Mr. Consumer, the first track on the album, starts off with a real folk feel warming up to track two Indonesian Summer, one that's perfect for a sunny day car ride with the windows down. Hitting a more somber note towards the middle of the album, the vibe slows down a touch before picking up speed again in track seven As We Move, a personal favorite that has a catchy intro that you just can't help but tap along to.

Although they may not be everyone's cup of tea and some tracks make for easier listening than others, it's an instant mood lifter. After all, Needs and Wants helped keep my sanity through a week's worth of absolutely dismal assignments. Of course it all depends on your own needs and wants, but you couldn't ask for much more than what this already provides. - Aimee Somerville, Drum Media Magazine.

If it’s an easy listening, mellow record you’re after look no further than Perth band A BEGGARS SECOND’s debut album ‘Needs & Wants’. Searching to soothe, the vocals and guitar of Ben Bowden, and Mark Degebrodt’s percussion bring to the surface stories of love, growth, loss and greed. Emerging from Perth’s grass roots scene, the album presents eleven acoustic tracks, which alone grab the attention of the listener with their catchy melodies and honesty but as a whole can seem a bit too similar.

What’s initially impressive about ‘Needs & Wants’ is Bowden’s ability as a vocalist. Understated in his voice, without showing off a wide vocal range, his singing is simply nice to listen to because it is just that: simple. The first track, ‘Mr Consumer’ immediately sets the tone for a chilled out, personal record that doesn’t try too hard. The next three, ‘Indonesian Summer’, ‘Straight Forward’ and ‘Thanks to May’ affirm the vibe, as listeners are introduced to tales that are relatable and real. Respect and admiration for the new duo begin to emerge as their audience begins to understand the honesty of this album. To some degree, it appears as if A Beggars Second are laying themselves bare and inviting listeners in to share.

It is at around this point in the record, however, that listeners may start wanting more. Whilst there is no doubt that ‘Needs & Wants’ is a pleasure to listen to, it begins to sound a little too similar the whole way through. Listeners may start waiting for something heavier, a change in pace or overall sound.

‘Alibis and Little Lies’ attempts to deliver this need halfway through the record. The guitar and percussion picks up in the intro, and a little audience excitement at the arrival of a change in tempo can’t be helped. The change doesn’t last long, however, as the onset of the vocals leads to the return to A Beggars Second’s signature sound which continues into the next track, ‘Seventeen’. This kind of teasing repeats for the remainder of the album, but the sound never drastically changes. This isn’t to say that the sound is unenjoyable. Nor does it suggest that Bowden and Degebrodt are lacking in skill. The blend of vocals, instrumentals and fresh lyrics is a sure sign that the duo knows what it’s doing.

After listening to ‘Needs & Wants’ listeners feel a connection with the duo. The relationship this album creates between its musicians and its listeners is incredibly strong, largely as a result of its lyrics. While, the album may be lacking in variety, listeners will no doubt coming back for more, as particular tracks allow them a new perspective on life, particularly the notion that we are not alone. - Sophie Yeomans, Space Ship News