Now viewable on my youtube channel:

www.youtube.com/watch

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May 19 - Elbo Room - Chicago

May 21 - Live Wire Lounge - Chicago

May 26 - The Westwood Pub - Prince George, BC

Stay tuned for more tour dates. 

So far its:

Prince George, B.C. - May 26, 2013

Eclectic, soul-baring, intense: Ben Draiman's The Past Is Not Far Behind EP

In a sea of music which can all too often be void of feeling and expression, it is refreshing to encounter an artist capable of uniquely expressing a multitude of human emotions. Singer/songwriter Ben Draiman pairs a candid, interesting take on a plethora of situations with fantastic songwriting one could categorize as piano-driven, alternative rock.

However, let there be no rush with the labels -- it's tough to single out people Draiman truly sounds like. Though many people may notice the last name and quickly conclude he must be a carbon copy of his brother, (Disturbed frontman David Draiman), that assumption will prove baseless rather early on while listening to this EP. The ferocity, energy and aggression of Disturbed -- though quite welcome in my library -- is a world away from this EP, as it should be. Ben Draiman's music is contemplative and somehow calming, with soaring melodies and absolutely addictive choruses.

A perfect introduction to Draiman's sound comes in the form of EP opener "Soon Enough", a driving, solid rock song with a contagious sense of determination and hope. Draiman's light vocal intonations in the introduction give way to a towering chorus. Unbelievable hit potential is scrawled all over this one, and the lyrics are powerful throughout: "A strange thing happened on the way to salvation / Out of all the madness came a startling revelation / Sometimes wrong is the way it’s meant to be/ And now I’m so thankful that I know the way things stand."

Equal parts melancholic and invigorating, the dynamic "Avalanche" effortlessly combines melodic textures with occasional crunchy guitars, while Draiman offers another tremendously moving vocal performance. The song fades away eloquently with a few haunting strikes of the piano. Then arrives what is perhaps the most promising moment of The Past Is Not Far Behind, "21 Seconds", a goosebump-inducing, poignant tune in which Draiman wistfully laments, "Took 21 seconds to lose you." The words are simple yet striking.

The Past Is Not Far Behind has remarkable balance in the spectrum of feelings. "Would You Know Love" has a pleasant easygoing flow, while "Overcome" possesses a stunning, indescribable darkness ("She speaks no truth, but she tells no lies" is one particularly memorable line). "Taken for Granted" closes the EP in empowering, fantastic form, where Draiman showcases a truly versatile vocal range. His cries of "Never mind the darkness when there's something worth believing" will surely resonate in listeners' minds for a long while to come.

If bands like Daughtry, The Fray or Kings of Leon impress you with their catchy hooks, yet leave you desiring something with a bit more sophistication, variety, depth and intensity, it's likely Ben Draiman's eclectic music will strike a chord with you. Once again, it's not always easy to provide specific comparisons, particularly because Draiman is, in fact, unique; having said that, though, I could easily envision a good handful of these songs appealing to a broad audience and catching on as popular hits. I truly recommend The Past Is Not Far Behind to those who strongly feel music and who are seeking highly emotive songs charged by the highs and lows of the complete scope of emotions and experiences.

Sheila Esmaili-Doki, Sherman Music Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/review/eclectic-soul-baring-intense-ben-draiman-s-the-past-is-not-far-behind-ep

Go to the store now and order yours now!  Shipping them every week!  www.bendraiman.com/store

27.02 The Yellow Submarine!  Be there!  It's gonna kick ass!  35 shekels for students 40 regular, or bring friends and get discounts! :) https://www.facebook.com/events/158972344253152/

28.02 Sublime THE LAST SHOW EVER! No kidding!  They're closing that building down.  Sad, but true.  So this will be the last show together with the incredible EARLYRISE and SEEK IRONY (before their big trip to Austin!).  https://www.facebook.com/events/129294053906632/

We have some really incredible shows coming up! 

Kicking it off in Jerusalem at the Yellow Submarine 27.02.2012

35 shekels for students, 40 regular price

Those who come with 2 friends or more will get special discounts

Tel-Aviv @ Sublime With: SEEK IRONY AND EARLYRISE!

28.02.2012

30 Shekels in advance, 40 at the door

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!

Hey all!  Long time!  We've been crazy busy setting up a whole bunch of shows.  Can't make one?  No problem, there are plenty more to come...

21.01.12  Three Days Grace and Papa Roach Tribute Show at Sublime

26.01.12  Blaze Bar - Jerusalem

30.01.12  W/Levad Baeder - Levonin 7 - Tel Aviv

27.02.12 The Yellow Submarine - "On the Road" Music Festival - Jerusalem

28.02.12 Triple Header: Seek Irony, Ben Draiman, Earlyrise - @Sublime - Tel Aviv

December 27, 2012    Netanya - Doug and Tony's ("On The Road Music Festival")

January 03, 2013        Be'er Sheva - Hachaluz 33 ("On The Road Music Festival")

Janary 26, 2013          Jerusalem - Blaze Bar

January 30, 2013        Tel-Aviv - Levontin 7

Hey guys! 

After over a year of enormous time and effort and a great deal of money the EP is done and now available on the site in the "Store" section (www.bendraiman.com/store).  If you wish to recieve a physical limited edition of the cd along with artwork, lyric booklet, and an autograph from yours truly, simply purchase the entire album for 15 dollars and more and send me a shipping address.  These should be ready in a few weeks.  For now, it's just the digital album that will be available for purchase.  As usual, I'd love to hear your thoughts so please leave me your comments!

All the best,

Ben