Billy Talent II

An album full of powerful punk-pop and hardcore tracks

Initially called Pezz, the modern rock band Billy Talent was formed in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and now based in downtown Toronto. In late 1990s Pezz had to change their name since there appeared to have already long been an American band with the same name. Lead singer Ben Kowalewicz and his friends Jon Gallant, Aaron Solowoniuk and Ian D’Sa released the debut album Watoosh! as Pezz in 1998 and after it the band took the name Billy Talent. Gradually their sound began to obtain the features of a more aggressive punk rock. In autumn 2003 the band released the full-length self-titled album Billy Talent which became highly popular both in Canada and the USA. During the following years Billy Talent was touring around America and Europe gaining more and more fans. At the same time the guys kept writing new songs that were appearing in the Internet, and in June 2006 Billy Talent II has been released, an album full of powerful punk-pop and hardcore tracks. Ben Kowalewicz’s high-pitched vocals and a wide choice of serious topics are only a part of all the record’s numerous pluses.

Billy Talent has all the necessary cinicizm, wit and energy of a good punk band

The first two tracks Devil In A Midnight Mass and Red Flag have already won the highest acclaim of those who have downloaded them from the Internet. The former is a roaring hardcore number and the latter fetaures a rousing shouting chorus that makes anyone sing along. The combination of the guitar and high tone vocals sounds most penetrating on the powerful song Worker Bees dwelling upon the fate awaiting the future generations. The impetuous music and frantic vocals on Fallen Leaves make the track one of the most tense on Billy Talent II. More pop elements appear on Where Is The Line?, nevertheless the composition still is distinguished for a astonishing metal guitar sounding. Another online hit Surrender is a real standout, a unique love song quite unexpected from the aggressive punk rockers, sunny and rather optimistic. Contrasting to it, a frankly angry track Perfect World performed on behalf of a cheated man, prevents the hearers from relaxing. The closer Burn The Evidence is full of frustration and dissapointment with life. By this moment no doubt remains that Billy Talent has all the necessary cinicizm, wit and energy of a good punk band.

Indeed, Billy Talent II is a monumental creation

Sometimes it is difficult to understand the sense of the songs on Billy Talent II, so complicated some thoughts are. However, the main ideas remain clear – the band turns to the problems of sexual abuse, adultery, individuality and drugs. In comparison with the previous album the beats on Billy Talent II are tougher, the guitars sound heavier and the lyrics has more sharp points. The band itself sounds more confident and aggressive. Throughout the whole album it manages to preserve the intensity and none of the tracks is weaker than the others, though the style may have some variations. Surpringly melodious songs, hardcore sound and the high quality of the front man’s voice together with emotionalizing lyrics are the basic advantages of Billy Talent’s new record. These 13 songs are surely going to be in advance of many other punk creations as well of the band’s earlier works. The guys infect with their energy, the texts amaze with their wisdom and complication and the catchy rhythm makes the hearers sing along. Indeed, Billy Talent II is a monumental creation and once you hear at least one song from it, you are sure to look for a chance to listen to the whole album and more than once.