Meet the Band: Irene & Reed

(Credit: Kris Arnold / Special to Metromix)

Who: Leslie Benson (vox, flute, 8guitar); Jason Reed Milner (keys, piano, guitar).
Latest album: “Closer to Home.”
Website: www.myspace.com/irene%andreed.
X-Factor: Benson (“Irene”) used to publish her own goth/industrial music ’zine. She once interviewed Debbie Harry (Blondie).

Yes, Leslie Benson and Jason (“Reed”) Milner have a background in industrial and electronic music. Still, they insist the sultry, haunting lounge sound of their debut, “Closer to Home,” comes naturally

“As musicians, we are dual-natured,” says Benson. “You could say I’m half Depeche Mode and half Over the Rhine. Both bands have intricate, deep-seeded messages they express lyrically, but the way they do so through their instrumentation and styles differs greatly. Depeche Mode relies more on electronics, whereas Over the Rhine comes across organically !on piano and guitar.

“One genre makes me dance, and the other makes me dream.”

That organic vibe pervades Irene & Reed’s entire disc, along with an optimistic lyrics that speak of exploring your roots and the joys of home. Audiences are picking up the vibe, with the band’s website hits and CD sales almost doubling from month to month, Milner says.

“By this time next year, we’ll have our second album out, countless shows under our belt and an even hipper website and bigger following. I can’t wait!”