Ben Howard is a 27 year-old English singer-songwriter. Howard’s voice, style, and lyrics can almost transport you into the setting of his songs. One of his most popular songs from his most recent album “Old Pine” brings listeners back to the teenage stage of life.

Hot sand on toes, cold sand in sleeping bags,

I’ve come to know that memories

Were the best things you ever had

The summer shone beat down on bony backs

So far from home where the ocean stood

Down dust and pine cone tracks

We slept like dogs down by the fire side

Awoke to the fog all around us

The boom of summer time

His lyrics can almost make the scent of burning beach wood, the texture of hot sand, and the feeling of the warm sun beating down on shirtless backs a reality. Howard’s music is the nostalgic type that always brings back old memories and experiences.

Although Howard’s following is much smaller than similar bands such as Mumford & Sons, the fans’ dedication is unreal.

His songs don’t just talk about the standard “boy falls in love with girl” stereotype of the current Indie Folk music. He has songs that reach much further and deeper than most other artists.

One of his earlier pieces of work, “The Fear”, has lyrics that read:

I’ve been worryin’ that my time is a little unclear

I’ve been worryin’ that I’m losing the ones I hold dear

I’ve been worryin’ that we all, live our lives, in the confines of fear

Howard doesn’t conform to the standards of music that is popular right now. He sings about topics that don’t just scrape the surface, they breach the borders that other artist wouldn’t consider discussing.

Don’t let his unconventional style discourage you from falling in love with Howard’s music. It is different than almost anything currently in circulation and it deserves to be heard.