 Billy Talent
; Punk rock inspired countless artists over the years, so isn't it time for a
band to bring that inspiration back around? Blistering with energy, Billy Talent
captures the spirit, attitude, and explosiveness that first launched rock's
rebel cause. Though they describe themselves as a "walking, talking Seinfeld
episode," the group musically captures a pressing sense of urgency devoid of
anything trite or gimmicky. Ultimately, Billy Talent is the type of band that
pops as much for its melodic sensibilities as for its against-the-grain
aggression.
Billy Talent's
major label debut takes center stage with the same zest and zeal that earned
them huge underground acclaim. For the new album, band members Benjamin
Kowalewicz (vocals), Ian D'Sa (guitar), Jon Gallant (bass), and Aaron Solowoniuk
(drums) worked with producer Gavin Brown to record 13 songs that underline the
group's accessible melodies, distinct writing, and balanced arrangements. The
brilliant "Try Honesty" whiplashes fans with striking tempo changes and fiery
vocal delivery, while the somber "Nothing to Lose" employs mood and passion to
inject a searing emotional tone into the dynamics. Other highlights include "The
Ex" and "Living in the Shadows," two standouts stacked with surging passion and
supremely catchy hooks. With their self-titled album, Billy Talent sets a high
standard with bottom heavy beats, rapid-fire bass lines, string-splitting guitar
chords, and a singer with the type of vocal distinctness not heard since the
early days of the Buzzcocks' Howard Devoto.
"When we started
out, there was something different about us," says Ian, who has a background in
professional animation. "Rather than trying to emulate popular bands at the
time, we embraced our uniqueness."
Benjamin adds,
"Music for us depends on the individuals you are playing with, and individually
we are all at our best in the context of this band. Our collaboration and
chemistry work. For years we tried to find our sound, but everything started
happening when we simply accepted what we are. When you find your voice,
everything else follows suit."
As the moody music
creates an emotional edge, the stories within the songs deliver the knockout
punches. As a lyricist, Benjamin superbly expresses himself from the perspective
of other people's frustrations. The track "Standing In the Rain" explores the
painful recollections of a heroin-addicted prostitute, while "How It Goes"
absorbs the roller-coaster emotions of a friend diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis. Overcoming an abusive childhood, incurring deadly reactions to teen
ridicule, and doing horrific acts for one's 15 minutes are other gripping issues
that shape Billy Talent's stirring reflections of modern society. In fact,
Benjamin delivers these despondent perspectives in such a real and convincing
manner that he comes across as much the schizophrenic as he does the grand
storyteller.
"Most of my
inspiration comes from listening to different people's experiences and points of
view," says Benjamin, who often writes during frustrating fits of insomnia.
"Lyrics are about imagery, telling the story, and expressing an emotion in which
the music compliments the words and the words the music. My inspiration comes
when I'm not comfortable, when I'm faced with situations and have to let
everything out."
"They are all
really good guys and musicians who wanted to do something new," recalls
Benjamin, "while the guys I was playing with just wanted to do rock 'n' roll. I
was thrilled to start a new band that focused on being more creative."
This new group,
originally performing under a different name, demonstrated an immediate new
synergy as evidenced on their 1998 debut LP Watoosh. Inspired by a
character in the film Hard Core Logo, the foursome were re-christened as
Billy Talent and soon recorded their breakthrough EP, 2001's Try Honesty.
The four-song disc not only defined their style and voice, it also nabbed the
group a publishing deal with EMI. Then, as local radio kicked in, Billy Talent
solidified its spot as a top regional draw performing with groups like
Goldfinger, Sparta, and for the MTV Campus Invasion. In fact, their underground
buzz led the group to fill in main stage for Busta Rhymes on the Area: 2 tour's
local stop (featuring Moby and David Bowie).
"We are a great
live band because for years playing live is all we cared about," says Aaron.
"Every show is different, never rehearsed. We feed off each other, and the crowd
really sets us off."
"People are looking
for something tangible in music," adds Benjamin. "It often seems there's nothing
for people to attach to, nothing to identify with, no motivation, and nothing
inspiring. I'm a firm believer that inspiration does exist, you just have to
find it."
With their
self-titled debut, these ready-for-primetime players take their rock rebellion
to a people eager for their own inspiration. Billy Talent makes this jump with a
vitality that resonates reality and delivers the undeniable.
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