Ben Ottewell (Gomez) Announces New Zealand Show

Ben Ottewell, the distinctive voice of British rock band Gomez, is heading to New Zealand to coincide with the release of his second solo album Rattlebag. The record follows his first solitary effort Shapes & Shadows which was unveiled in 2011, and was supported with a string of acoustic shows across the UK, US and Australia. While in the country for his upcoming Auckland show, Ottewell will be supported by LA-based singer-songwriter Buddy. Here's the details...

Ben Ottewell w/ Buddy
Friday 7th November, The Tuning Fork, Auckland

Here is Ben Ottewell performing the titular track from his forthcoming album...

PRESS RELEASE:

Vector Arena proudly presents
BEN OTTEWELL (of Gomez)

The Tuning Fork, Vector Arena, Auckland
Friday 7th November 2014

Tickets on sale Wednesday 3rd September from www.ticketmaster.co.nz

Ben will be playing material from his new album Rattlebag, and will be supported by LA-based singer-songwriter Buddy, who has toured with him across the US and UK.

As a singer and lead guitarist in English indie rock band Gomez, Ben Ottewell is well known for his unmistakable voice and talent for blistering and inspired guitar solos. Rolling Stone declared, "Gomez's not-so secret weapon is Ben Ottewell.” And as GQ Magazine once wrote and anyone listening can attest,"[his] voice is not of this world.”

Since his first solo release, Shapes & Shadows (2011), Ottewell has been pleasing audiences with a series of successful acoustic tours across the UK, US and Australia. Now with a newly-recorded album of songs for his second solo project, Rattlebag, the singer is set to return to the road, performing his new music.

On Rattlebag, Ottewell once again collaborated with childhood friend and his Shapes & Shadows writing partner Sam Genders, previously of Tunng. "Sam and I grew up together in a little village called Bonsall in Derbyshire and have been friends since childhood. I love his songwriting - the stuff he did with his bands Tunng and The Accidental, particularly lyrically."

Simultaneously stripped-down and lush, Rattlebag is a collection of beautifully poetic tales of salvation and redemption, of sanctuary and braving rocky seas in search of distant shores. Ottewell’s infectious melodies and bluesy riffs will stick with you, and beg you to sing along.

“There’s a time and place for us / I will take you there,” he sings (“Shoreline”). Ben Ottewell proffers hope and promise accompanied by sublime acoustic and slide guitars, and that’s something we can all use.