Album Review: Leave No Stone Unturned

Doesn’t feel that long ago that I first heard the music of Ben Lloyd. When was NZ Music Month? Last month? Is it even still I thing? Think my most recent NZ Music Month branded hoodie was from 2012, but that probably says more about my wardrobe to be honest.

It was recent enough that I remember reviewing Ben’s sophomore album, 2024’s Leap of Faith, pretty clearly. I recall finding it equal parts refreshing and nostalgic, since it’s kind of rare to hear new rock songs these days, outside the local band scene in provincial towns here and there.

Being a decade in the making, or at least incubating, Leave No Stone Unturned seemed to be a figurative leap, with Ben finally recording and releasing tracks that have been floating around for some time. The title of his newest release, Leave No Stone Unturned, may be just as relevant. Less than a year after the last, perhaps this is the garage sale following a rummage through another storage locker in Ben’s mind.

Another release so soon can bring suspicion. Will it be as good as last time, when it took significantly less time to create?
What’s the motivation here?

Did the thrill of seeing something that’s only really existed in your head finally come to life become too enjoyable not to chase?
Is he addicted now?

Perhaps he’s just released two parts of a double album separately, kind of like what they made that band Hurt to boost sales.
Is it just the reversed album cover giving me that feeling, or could it be the fact this feels like a continuation or a companion piece?

Heck, maybe Ben just wanted to make an album with his kids performing on it.
The last theory is at least partially true, as Ben’s teenage sons do feature on the newest release.
One providing drums throughout – at a level of proficiency no 13 year old has any right to be playing at – and the other one providing some juicy leading licks.

Well, having listened to Leave No Stone Unturned almost exclusively for a couple of weeks now, I can happily report that my suspicions and reservations were unfounded.

My feelings about Ben’s music haven’t changed since the last review. It’s another example of something a time traveler could leave behind unnoticed in a 90’s college dorm. The slightly more grungy, edgier, rock-oriented follow-up gives me the same vibes and enjoyment as the last album. It’s just as full of solid riffs and hard hooks, perhaps even fuller and harder, and the songwriting is still strong. Stronger than you’d expect for what’s essentially a one man band with no commercial backing or army of writers.

Only different between the two releases I’ve had a chance to review is that it’s perhaps less easy-listening Creed-ish or Crowded House this time. The genre… It’s still a pretty easy listen. More that it’s more leaning into slightly cooler influences, like Motorhead on the fast-paced and frenetic title track, and Green Day on the track Ghost, maybe even ZZ Top and blues in Hate My Guts. I even detected at least one swear word, earning the album it’s official rock status, but kind of deviating from what I’d expected of Ben Lloyd.

I don’t remember cursing specifically on Leap of Faith, it may have been present, but I do remember the optimism and uplifting positivity. Mainly because it made Ben stand out in this drain circling world of doom scrolling. There are still splashes of that signature positivity of Ben splattered throughout. The world hasn’t got to him yet, or perhaps he’s on the other side of hell now.

It’s hard to pinpoint why I get that uplifting feeling from his music. Could be the tone of his voice. It’s like he’s enjoying performing or something. Or it could be tracks like Never Give Up, Fight For It, and Hope. We may never know the reason. I just know it comes through whether I’m listening to the words or feeling the songs.

Needless to say, if you like rock, as in good rock not whatever they pretend is rock nowadays, then you’re probably going to like this. Go find the last one too. That was alright as well.

You can find Ben Lloyd’s Leave No Stone Unturned on most streaming platforms, and I hope you do.