The first and only 2019 announcement that will come in 2018. Bencoolen heads back to Richmond with a local favorite to be announced soon ;)

Bencoolen is a maximalist rock band that includes blues, funk, and soul influences in their sound. The band features soaring vocals, swift sax lines, and huge guitar tones. They were founded early in 2014 by Paul Gregg and Teddy Scott, but ramped up into a touring outfit in February 2016 after adding Will Lockery on the drums and Ben Suarez on bass soon after.

The group recently released a single called, “In the End” and is working on their first full length for winter release. In the single, the rhythm section holds down a tight groove as the song builds around overdriven sax and smooth vocal lines before exploding into a ripping guitar solo. The song is a collaboration between sax player, Jack Bentsen, and singer/guitarist, Paul Gregg. 

“In the End”, following previously released singles called “Spotlight” and “The Crown,” describes a journey around the world in pursuit of a love long lost, serving as a metaphor for the lost opportunities that we all try to chase down in life. The artwork depicts a desert scene to emphasize how far the journey can take you.

The band has spent the last year working tirelessly to songwrite and tour. Bencoolen has recently played up and down the East Coast from Savannah, Georgia up to New York City. They have supported tours for Mihali of Twiddle, Marcus King, Spafford, Mungion, Atlas Road Crew, Mondo Cozmo, and Big Something. The highlights of recent efforts have included slots at Firefly Music Festival in 2017 and at Musikfest in 2018.