Ben Averch

Ben Averch has been called ?a one man symphony of prog rock.? A drummer, bassist, guitarist, vocalist, keyboardist, songwriter, producer and engineer, the 33-year old Boston, MA native has crafted two epic progressive rock solo albums, Washington State (2006) and Start at the Beginning (2008). Averch originally developed his talents as both a street musician and the singer/guitarist for the Boston-based rock group Bison.

Averch released Start at the Beginning on Automatic Earth Recordings in June 2008. Produced, performed, recorded and mixed entirely by Averch, Start at the Beginning is a 15-song collection of potent, diverse and emotional music. The album's lyrics describe a journey into a man's soul, encompassing passion, delusion, drive, anger, conflict, and warring emotions. Start at the Beginning spans multiple genres, from crunchy prog rock, to fuzzed-out electronica, to lonesome acoustic ballads. Standout tracks include the Bob Mould-inspired opener ?Two Places at Once?, the crushing rocker ?It Ain't Me? and the epic, atmospheric ?The Source of Love?.

During the mid-90s, Averch cut his performing teeth touring across the country with Bison, and made his living delivering high-energy, arena-style acoustic hard rock in Harvard Square, Cambridge as one of Boston's premier street musicians. This period was marked by his recognition from Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder, who gave Averch a $50 tip in exchange for a Bison demo tape.

Called ?an amazing axeman? for his work on Washington State, Start at the Beginning positions Averch to stake his claim as a guitarist to be reckoned with. ?Start' features armies of guitars, with tones ranging from blistering distortion to clear, raining arpeggios to ambitious, fluid leads. Rock fans will note the stellar guitar solos on ?Start at the Beginning?, the accelerating ?Hope Anchor?, the scathing ?You Can Only Feel?, and the soaring, extended ?The Nothing Shines Through?. Averch also recalls his street musician heritage with two stripped-down acoustic songs, including a cover of ?Western Sky? by American Music Club to close the album.

Averch is currently recording the follow up (currently untitled) to Start at the Beginning and is performing solo acoustic shows in select markets.