Modern man is not doing really well judging by the massive number of self-help books out there. Icelandic singer/songwriter Pétur Ben seems to have his fair share of problems to deal with, which he does on this debut, described by himself as a self-help manual in tackling one’s demons, and we are blessed by him letting us in on the 11 therapy sessions that are ‘Wine For My Weakness’.

Self-doubt, alienation and love are the themes and musically Pétur Ben switches elegantly between the stripped down “one man, his guitar and his emotions” in beautifully moving ‘I’ll Be Here’ and quite powerful rock’n’roll, e.g. in title track and ‘Something Radical’. Other highlights count quirky hit single ‘White Tiger’ and ‘You Woke Me’, but ‘Wine For My Weakness’ is in its entirety an impressive collection of songs.

Pétur Ben (birth name Pétur Thór Benediktsson) has made a name of himself in Iceland composing critically acclaimed scores for several movies and theater productions and not least as Mugison sidekick, writing and arranging for the blues man’s 2004 album ‘Mugimama is this Monkeymusic?’ as well as touring with him for years (Ben was a great contributor to Mugison’s gig at this years Roskilde Festival).

‘Wine For My Weakness’ is as yet his only solo album. It was recorded at Sigur Rós’ studio The Swimming Pool, produced by Ben himself and sports a number of guest musicians, among them Sugarcubes drummer Sigtryggur Baldursson and Pétur Ben’s wife Anna Kristín Gudmundsdóttir on backing vocals on several songs. The album got the 2006 Icelandic Music Award for Best Rock Album and without knowing who the rest of the nominees were this seems more than fair.

Genre: Rock
Who: Petúr Ben
Title: Wine For My Weakness
Label: 12 Tónar
Year: 2006
Country: Iceland
Language: English
DOWNLOAD VIA

Recommended tracks:
I’ll Be Here – Wine For My Weakness – White Tiger – You Woke Me