Ben Birchall: Aussie musicrole model

Thu 19th Jul, 2007 in Features

For someone who has been in the consciousness of Melbourne music lovers for almost 10 years now, it comes as a surprise that Ben Birchall ’s new release is actually his debut album.

Ben Birchall and the Corrections have just released their long-awaited first album Last Ditch Brigade , a record that combines elements of rock and blues and lyrical themes of love, death and drinking. And for those that remember Birchall’s former band Klinger (the cheeky lads that gave us Triple J hits ‘Hello Cruel World’ and ‘Ben Lee’ but somehow managed to not release an album), the musical and lyrical maturity of Last Ditch Brigade offers a pleasant change in direction.

Having spent the best part of the past five years out of the musical spotlight, 29-year-old Birchall has cast his trademark quirky lyrics and cheekiness out to sea and spent his time writing more heartfelt tunes in the in the vein of his heroes Elvis Costello and John Lennon . The result is a quality album recorded by the band in between tight full-time work schedules and produced by Matt Maddock ( Dan Kelly , Something for Kate ). And with the lineup of his band the Corrections becoming a tight-knit unit since their Year of the Monkey EP in 2004, which spawned the hit ‘Three Minute Revolution’, Birchall is enjoying his music more than ever. “Yeah, it seems like we’ve been around for ever,” he said. “But we’ve worked really hard to make this album and it’s a good feeling to be playing with these guys. We certainly aren’t making any money doing all of this, so we it means a lot to have made this album. I’m certainly not taking it for granted.”

The Corrections comprise of guitar virtuoso Dave McGann (recognisable as front man of the Hovercrafts ), the rhythm section of Darren Vlah and Glenn Arnup (also ex-Klinger) and Hammond organist Matt Vehl . Together they form a very formidable live act who have already played with bands like the Pictures , Youth Group and Motor Ace in their few years together. Birchall says his time in the musical wilderness helped him to gain a better perspective on what he wanted to achieve with both his music and his impressive talents as a songwriter. “No one really expected this album to come out. Except for a few dedicated fans, there weren’t many expectations on us with Last Ditch Brigade…but there was still enough fire in the belly for us.”

Although reluctant to talk about the now defunct Klinger, Birchall said his experiences in his first notable band provided him with invaluable experience. “We started very young in that band – I remember my Dad had to take me to the pubs we played in because I was only 17 when we first started gigging.”

“Klinger was very keen to get people’s attention… We had a very – œlook at me’ attitude. I’d like to think the songs of our new album find their own space.”

In an interview several years ago, Birchall openly spoke of his desire to be famous and the sacrifices he has made to try to achieve that. But it seems that maturity has allowed Birchall to focus less on the ideal of fame and more on role of music in his life. “There was a time when I wanted to be as successful as someone like Jet and live in LA in a big mansion – and I still would if I was given the chance – but it is (more about) playing music with the Corrections and writing good songs now.” And what can we expect from the album launches? “A lot of bands go all out for their album launches by bringing in brass and string sections. We’re hoping to recapture the album in our shows.”