Creature Benny first appeared on these pages way back in November of 2021, upon the release of his single and video “Pandemic Madness“. That track introduced The Static Dive readers to critically-acclaimed Los Angeles avant-garde artist Benton Oliver. At the time, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist producer had recently wrapped up ‘Phase I’ of the Creature Benny project with the album Tales Moste Wretched, Vol 1.
Originally from Atlanta, Oliver attended college in New Orleans before eventually making his way to Los Angeles, California. Creature Benny has been hard at work on Phase 2 since we last heard from him. Over the last two years the prolific producer has released five EPs. His sound is a wildly experimental mix of punk, modern indie, and a touch of vaudeville.
Tales Moste Wretched, Vol. 2 is the brand new album from Creature Benny, released worldwide via all major streaming services on June 30, 2023. The twenty song collection is a compilation of the previous five EPs, along with ten new tracks. It represents the closing chapter of Phase 2. From the campy instrumental “Moste Wretched Intro II” to the classic hardcore punk track “City of Bones”, the album is a wild ride fueled by noise guitar and biting commentary.
Creature Benny’s world is one populated by murderous characters (“Double-Edged Ed”, “Rocko Von Murdercore”), dysfunctional love (“Had 2 Bail”), and grotesque horror-movie inspired imagery (“Eyeball Skeleton”). The singer delivers his songs from the perspective of an observer, but not a particularly objective one. He is embedded in these dark tales.
Throughout the record, Creature Benny unleashes his rock & roll cacophony in some unexpected places. His songs are often built around classic pop and oldie rock chord structures (“Death and Taxes”, “Why Oh Why”). He tips his hat to a couple of classic rock legends with very Benny-esque covers of John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth” and the late great Warren Zevon’s “Excitable Boy”.
Check out Tales Moste Wretched, Vol. 2 in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the songs “Excitable Boy” and “City of Bones” on the Deep Dive : Pop & Rock playlist. Follow the links below to connect with Creature Benny.