A Podcast Conversation With ... Sam Roberts Band

By Bill King

Sam Roberts Band, the popular Juno Award-winning rock act, emerges from the sonic depths once again with the highly anticipated album, The Adventures of Ben Blank. This collection of nine tracks is a testament to the band's enduring prowess and penchant for crafting songs that resonate deep within the listener's humanity.

Recorded at Giant Studio in Toronto, ON, and produced by a trifecta of musical wizards, including the eponymous Sam Roberts himself, Gus van Go, and James Younger (of Yukon Blonde fame), The Adventures of Ben Blank is a melodic odyssey that navigates the realms of rock, alternative, and indie with a seasoned finesse that only this band can muster.

The titular character, Ben Blank, takes centre stage as the enigmatic narrator of this opus. He's a paradoxical, timeless and ephemeral figure, constantly birthing new ideas and musings. This duality seeps through the album, infusing each track with a palpable sense of intrigue.

The album unfurls with The Ballad of Ben Blank, an exhilarating and stomping introduction setting the tone for the auditory journey. I Dream of You and Projection keep the momentum going, drawing us into a dreamlike state with attractive melodies and meaningful lyrics.

The pièce de résistance arrives with Afterlife, a bold defiance of mortality that encapsulates the album's core ethos. With the striking declaration, "I'll get my kicks on this side of the Styx," Sam Roberts Band underscores the urgency of living in the now. The visualizer of Afterlife adds a captivating layer of visual storytelling.

The band's recent hit single, Picture of Love, continues to captivate, flawlessly weaving guitars through an infectious melody. It's a refreshing dose of warmth amidst the album's contemplative moments.

The Adventures of Ben Blank doesn't shy away from exploring the spectrum of human emotions. Everybody Needs Love strikes a chord with its poignant message, while Bad Country delves into a gritty, unvarnished sound. The album concludes with If Only, a contemplative and soul-stirring track that leaves a lingering resonance.

With a career marked by over 125 million streams, Sam Roberts Band relentlessly pushes boundaries and delivers chart-topping hits. The Adventures of Ben Blank is their latest testament to this legacy, and it's a poetic reverie that beckons listeners to embrace the present moment.

With the band preparing to embark on a tour in 2024, fans can anticipate the continuation of their legacy of critical acclaim and accolades with this opus, the first new album since 2020's All of Us. And as they prepare to embark on a tour in 2024, fans can look forward to experiencing the magic of The Adventures of Ben Blank live.

Sam Roberts, a musical chameleon born in Montreal, has journeyed from violin to guitar, creating impressive work. The 20th anniversary of his Double-Platinum certified album, We Were Born in a Flame, is a testament to his enduring influence on the Canadian music scene.

The Adventures of Ben Blank is a musical journey that beckons you to embrace life's complexity, revel in its joys, and challenge the boundaries of existence. Sam Roberts Band has once again carved their mark in the annals of rock history, and this album is an interesting addition to their storied discography. Don't miss out on this sonic adventure—it's an odyssey worth taking.

Learn more in this Conversation.