Billy Talent,
Billy TalentWhen I first came across the name Billy Talent I kind of assumed we'd be dealing with another Good Charlotte/Simple Plan clone, but I was wrong. This US four-piece are set to release their self-titled debut full lengther on a major label and with songs like 'Try Honesty' MTV coverage won't be far away. The weird thing is that this mob are probably what The Buzzcocks would have sounded like had they been brought up on a diet of Blink 182 and Sum 41. It's a weird concoction that, while not particularly unique, offers something fresh enough to hook you in for repeated listens.
The band, apparently renowned for their energetic stage shows, have certainly transferred this well as much of the record is fast-paced and passionate. Vocalist Benjamin Kowalewicz switches from melodic singing to a shout that bears more resemblence to 80s punk than the modern day emo-whine equivalent. And with a very strong message deep within each track, ranging from the hurt caused by multiple sclerosis to drug abuse, you cannot accuse Billy Talent of wimping out by singing love songs.
It's all well and good having half of the ingriedients of a successful record, but if the songs themselves are shite you may as well pack up. Luckily for Billy Talent there's enough excitement throughout the 12 tracks to warrant you checking them out, even if it won't be the best record you buy this year. Opener 'This Is How It Goes' really sets the tone with a fast paced pelt through three-and-a-half minutes of raucous punk, while the more melodic single 'Try Honesty' will certainly gain them a lot of attention. It does lose some of the urgency of other songs on the record, but I'm a sucker for a catchy hook and there are plenty of them in abundance here.
'Line and Sinker' and 'Lies' both maintain catchy hooks with an abrasive edge that sets them apart from the Madden twins, while 'River Below' sounds like something that could have made the recent Sum 41 record as guitar riffs bounce all over the shop. There are a couple of stinkers among the decent tracks mind, 'Standing In The Rain' is the token mid-paced plodder while closer 'Voices of Violence' probably over uses the band's token bass riffs and crunchy guitars. Maybe one track too many, it's the first time I feel that I may have heard this all before.
I don't think Billy Talent will quite reach the dizzy heights of a Good Charlotte or Simple Plan but there's enough on here that will give them some success without losing any of their artistic integrity. A band that talk a good game and seemingly back it up with their music. Remember the name, I'm sure they'll be on the tip of your tongue for a long while to come.
www.billytalent.com
Paul
