Why do some bands have so much trouble finding an audience in the U.S.? This can be puzzling , especially when the band in question is Billy Talent. This Toronto based foursome already has a Triple Platinum record (Billy Talent II) in Canada. They have played huge festivals in Europe. Still, the band is little more than a blip on the radar here in the states.
That should all change with the release of Billy Talent III. Once again they deliver 11 scorching post-punk/classic rock inspired bits of pleasure. As usual, singer Ben Kowalewicz delivers thought-provoking lyrics that tell tales of despair, death and lost love. Throw in a tale of a witch being hung, from the witch’s perspective… you get the picture.
The coolest part of this album, though, is the killer guitar tone of Ian D’sa. He wears his 70’s rock influences on his sleeve without ever sounding dated. Honestly, my biggest complaint with this record is that the first five tracks are so good it took me a week to get to the end; my iPod’s repeat button is getting a workout.
Add the contribution of super-producer Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, STP and Bruce Springsteen are a few of his clients) and you have a set of songs that may put Billy Talent on the map in the states as one of the best rock bands working today–right where they belong.
Standout Tracks (click and turn it up):
Mon, Oct 26, 2009
Music