Ben Howard – Is It? (Blue)

Is It? marks a striking sonic departure for Ben Howard, trading in his guitar-led folk foundations for a warm, impressionistic blend of electronic textures and ambient pop. Written in the wake of two mini-strokes he suffered in 2022, the album feels both intimate and otherworldly—a subtle meditation on memory, vulnerability, and resilience. Produced with Bullion (Nathan Jenkins), it weaves Howard’s elliptical lyrics through glitchy percussion, synth washes, and surreal loops, echoing artists like James Blake and Thom Yorke while maintaining Howard’s distinct sense of calm introspection.

The album unfolds like a lucid dream: soft, slow, and disarmingly honest. Tracks like “Couldn’t Make It Up,” “Walking Backwards,” and “Moonraker” exemplify the record’s hushed beauty, capturing fleeting moments of clarity through processed vocals and minimalist arrangements. It’s a quiet triumph—more cerebral than emotional, yet deeply felt—and a clear sign that Howard is still evolving, unafraid to leave the familiar behind in search of something truer.

Reviews

“An earnest, ruminative folktronica soundtrack wrapped in introspection and melodic optimism.” – Clash

“His most sonically adventurous release yet, shimmering with fragility and nuance.” – Far Out Magazine

“Howard’s willingness to strip back and blur his sound results in a compelling, dreamlike record.” – DIY Magazine

“Is It? is full of unresolved thoughts and wandering moods—it rewards stillness and attention.” – The Line of Best Fit

“More ambient and electronic than ever before, this album shows a quiet confidence in letting go.” – The Guardian