Residing in the vibrant artistic enclave of Ancoats marina, Ben Heyworth draws inspiration from his surroundings; a blend of urban grit and creative soul, and channels it into music that reflects the people and places that define his Manchester roots. His songwriting is rich in narrative and emotion, combining the nostalgic hues of ’90s British indie with lush harmonies, warm organ tones, and a fresh take on folk. He calls it “urban folk”: a genre hybrid that feels both timeless and entirely his own.
After years of shaping soundscapes behind the scenes and under aliases, Ben Heyworth steps back into the spotlight with a new EP under his own name, and it feels like a homecoming. A familiar name in Manchester’s music circles, Heyworth made his mark in the early 2000s with Minorplanet, later experimenting with electronic pop as This Morning Call on Sweden’s Substream label. Now, in 2025, he re-emerges more acoustic, more introspective, and still unmistakably melodic.
Released on May 30th, 2025, “Creatures” is a three-track EP that marks a new chapter for Ben Heyworth, and it’s nothing short of captivating. Recorded at Blueprint Studios, the same space that birthed the sonic masterpieces of Elbow, this EP carries a sense of intimacy and maturity that reflects both the artist’s journey and his refined creative vision. The opening track sets the tone with acoustic warmth and lyrical depth. There’s a feeling of motion and stillness in the EP, as if drifting down Manchester’s canals in the early morning fog. The arrangement is deceptively simple, allowing the weight of the lyrics and the clarity of his voice to shine.
Creatures EP Track List:
Narrowboat:
The opening track of “Creatures”, titled “Narrowboat”, sets the tone for the entire EP with quiet confidence and emotional precision. Anchored by delicate acoustic guitar, the song unfolds with a gentle, uncluttered arrangement that leaves room for reflection. The simplicity of the melody is its strength, nothing is overdone, nothing distracts. It’s a carefully constructed canvas on which Ben Heyworth paints with his soulful, velvety vocals. The intimacy of the track is palpable from the first note, drawing the listener into a space that feels both personal and universally relatable.
Lyrically, “Narrowboat” is a meditation on life, death, and perception, using Manchester’s historic waterways as a poignant metaphor. Heyworth’s vocal delivery is heartfelt and unforced, capturing the emotional weight of the subject matter without tipping into sentimentality. His voice, rich and emotive, is perfectly matched with the sparse instrumentation, allowing the depth of his message to resonate with clarity. It’s a performance that feels both soothing and deeply human, capturing a rare balance between melancholy and peace.
What truly elevates “Narrowboat” is its atmosphere, a haunting beauty wrapped in serenity. The production is polished yet organic, never detracting from the emotional undercurrents of the track. Every element from the acoustic textures to the layered harmonies is placed with intention, creating a soundscape that is warm, meditative, and timeless. As the first impression of “Creatures”, “Narrowboat” is more than an opening song; it’s an invitation into Ben Heyworth’s inner world, where quiet introspection and melodic storytelling reign supreme.
Creature Double Feature:
Closing out “Creatures” with poetic flair and imaginative depth, “Creature Double Feature” is a surreal and self-reflective standout that pushes Ben Heyworth’s artistry into more experimental territory. The track opens with playful yet layered instrumentation, where acoustic textures intertwine with atmospheric Ben Heyworth – Creatures, creating an otherworldly soundscape that immediately captures attention. It’s a sonic departure from the EP’s quieter moments, but it maintains the emotional core that defines Heyworth’s work. His voice, emotive and soulful, cuts through the dreamy arrangement with vulnerability, grounding the surrealism in something deeply human.
Lyrically, “Creature Double Feature” dives into themes of identity and introspection, exploring the metaphor of distorted mirror images, the multiple versions of ourselves we present to the world or hide within. There’s an eerie theatricality to the melody, balanced by heartfelt lyricism that invites listeners to confront their own inner cast of characters. Ben’s vocal performance is raw yet polished, perfectly navigating the track’s duality of whimsy and weight. The blend of indie folk sensibilities with experimental flair makes for a captivating listening experience, where each sonic layer reveals new emotional textures.
The track’s ambiance is quirky, haunting, and richly immersive, wrapping the listener in a mood that’s both introspective and oddly uplifting. With its polished production and imaginative sound design, “Creature Double Feature” is the perfect bookend to the EP, a bold, thought-provoking finale that leaves a lingering sense of curiosity and emotional resonance. It underscores Heyworth’s strength not only as a songwriter but as a storyteller unafraid to blend vulnerability with creative risk.
Throughout “Creatures”, Heyworth’s production is clean and deliberate. There’s a richness in the restraint, every element has space to breathe. His background as a producer and arranger is evident, but never overbearing; the songs never feel labored or overworked. Instead, they pulse with life and humanity. This EP isn’t just a comeback, it’s a reintroduction. “Creatures” proves that Ben Heyworth still has the melodic instincts and lyrical soul that made him one of Manchester’s most promising voices. It’s a body of work that rewards quiet attention, inviting listeners into a world of subtle beauty and emotional resonance. If you’re a fan of music that feels handcrafted and heartfelt, “Creatures” is a must-listen.
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