Ben Woods & Violet French and The Horrible | Lyttelton

Expression becomes its most potent under floodlight. At least, it does in ‘Body Rhyme’, Ben Woods’ latest release since his debut album, PUT (2018).

‘Body Rhyme’ comes as the first release from a series of sessions with Ben Edwards in Lyttelton. Edwards is known for his port-side recording shack The Sitting Room, which has been responsible for the debuts of beloved alt-folk/country alumni Aldous Harding, Marlon Williams, and Julia Jacklin. Its accompanying video, directed by Martin Sagadin, is built entirely from clips of Woods’ gyrating nude figure falling to darkness. Shot on black and white 16mm film, the video summons the vivid monochrome of German Expressionist film and Samuel Beckett’s absurdist theatre. Woods’ grotesque, fleshy display propels his latest leap toward a newfangled brand of poignancy.

Woods has remained consistently performing and producing work since his debut in 2018. If not circuiting New Zealand with his group, touring or performing at festivals, he could be found composing soundtracks for film. The release of his ruminative long player PUT saw him performing alongside Steve Gunn, No Age, Tiny Ruins, and touring with Aldous Harding.

Through lockdown, Woods turned his energy outwards as he managed an online streaming festival—Better Living, Everyone. The festival boasted 30+ artists including Lawrence Arabia, Marlon Williams, Emily Edrosa, and Delaney Davidson, and attained more than 15,000 viewers.