Portuguese indie band Fort Benny, hailing from Aveiro, has released their debut album Not Crazy Enough, featuring the title track that sets the tone for the entire record. Formed in 2022 by composer and multi-instrumentalist Bruno Silva, Fort Benny draws on an eclectic mix of influences, from the dreamy soundscapes of 60s psychedelic rock to the introspective melodies of 90s alternative rock. The result is a collection of songs that are both raw and intimate, yet undeniably catchy.
The journey to Not Crazy Enough began in 2019, following the dissolution of Silva's previous band. Determined to continue creating music, Silva began recording the album that would eventually become Not Crazy Enough. The album features a blend of forgotten ideas and fresh inspiration, brought together in a cohesive collection of 10 tracks.
Most of the album was recorded in Bruno Silva's small bedroom, with the simplicity of an audio interface, an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar, a borrowed bass, and a microphone. The only exception was the drum recordings, which took place at MUSA, a music school in Aveiro. The recording sessions were engineered by Luis Ribeiro, a well-known figure in the local music scene and a strong supporter of Aveiro's musicians.
While Silva handled the bulk of the recording, Not Crazy Enough is far from a solo endeavor. Several musicians contributed to the album, adding layers and textures that enhanced the final product. William Ax (Guilherme Machado) lent his talents with a solo on the lead single, acoustic guitar on "Morgana," and keyboards on "Keep the Ghosts Away." Rui Machado, the band's guitarist, added lead guitar parts on the title track, "Keep the Ghosts Away," and "Celephais." João Rosa, who also plays bass in the band, recorded his parts for "Feeling Okay" and "Keep the Ghosts Away," rounding out the album's sound.
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