Although this self-titled album is also his debut, Khan made himself noticed in the music scene first in 2014 and then in 2015 with the EPs 199X and 1000. After a three year silence, he releases Ben Khan. Why the delay with the release when his first two records were so well received?

In an interview with Ryan Bassil, the editor of ViceUK, Khan describes that music artists can fall into two broad groups – one being those who found the pressures of being given a deadline, and the appeal of money and fame, to be motivating. However, Khan believes that he falls into a second category – where being given time restrictions damages the quality of the music that he makes, and that as an artist he does not feel as happy making the music.

With this explanation in mind does the debut reflect Khan’s mindset, that he produces better quality work when left to his own devices? The answer upon listening to the album is, arguably, a resounding yes.

There is a futuristic yet soulful feel with every track. When listening, I can envisage that this is the kind of music that will be prominent in about thirty years – Khan is certainly ahead of the times and can be placed within the kind of technologically-advanced society that is to be expected around the year 2050. It is up for debate whether or not any of the other fourteen tracks have the same immediate appeal and captivating as the lead single, “2000 Angels”. The track also comes with a music video that was directed and produced by Khan himself. He says the inspiration comes from the idea of simulation theory, which is the notion that technology can be seen to mirror reality to the extent in which it becomes indistinguishable from it.

All the tracks are aesthetic masterpieces in their own way. A track that I constantly return to is “Waterfall”. With a melody that mirrors the title, Khan takes the notion of a calming song and adds his own electronica twist.