About three years ago, Billy Talent had the world at their feet. The Canadian quartet launched ‘Try Honesty’ on an unsuspecting public and had a minor hit worldwide, catapulting them from North American unknowns into a band playing high up festival bills. As their last album died down, so did the whirlwind which surrounded them…although I have a feeling ‘Billy Talent II’ will leave many music fans and journalists in a spin. This, ladies and gents, is a mighty fine record.
It builds on what the previous effort left us and encapulates a sound Billy Talent have trademarked as their own. Singer Ben has a shrill which makes Billy Talent stand out anyway, but with a set of songs which make you wonder how on Earth he hasn’t blown his lungs out, ‘II’ sounds ever more impressive. Right from the off this is explosive, catchy and full of singalong moments. ‘Devil In A Midnight Mass’ could easily be re-christened ‘Tasmanian Devil…’ as the energy creates a cyclone effect to whip you up into a frenzy. If the band have learnt anything in their two years, it’s how to nail a killer chorus – ‘Devil…’ is the first of more than 10 examples of how to write the perfect pop-punk track.
‘Covered In Cowardice’ and ‘Red Flag’ are fast and furious, but the one thing the Talent have managed to add to their armoury is the ability to step off the gas and write a couple of slower-paced song. And we’re not talking ballads here, no sir, there’s still pace when needed, but it calms everything down no end. ‘Fallen Leaves’ and ‘Pins and Needles’ are solid efforts, although it’s left for the riotous ‘Perfect World’ to bring things towards a cracking crescendo.
The last album was great, this is every bit as good. If not even better. Billy Talent have managed to take the good bits from the previous record and make them better – some feat, and I’m sure the inevitable success and partial world domination will follow…
www.myspace.com/billytalent
Atlantic Records
paul