The unique style of music, guitar work, and ‘Ian D’sa’s strange plastic looking haircut all add up to a formidable combination
Admittedly I am not the biggest ‘Billy Talent’ fan. This is not to say that I dislike the band, I just don’t own the full back catalogue of songs. After going to see ‘Billy Talent’ live, I realise that overlooking them was a huge mistake. Always open to new experiences and new styles of music, I watched ‘Billy Talent’ with an open mind. Luckily for me I had made a good decision by going to see them, as I got to see ‘Billy Talent’ for the unique and excellently talented band they are.
The first thing I noticed when I entered the academy was the impressive atmosphere, combined with a huge sense of excitement from all the fans. As soon as the band took to the stage the excitement peaked, and I felt a new sense of appreciation from the crowd. Every single person sang along to every single line, they jumped when front man ‘Benjamin Kowalewicz’ (I can’t pronounce it either) told them to, and clapped at every moment they possibly could.
The music is exciting and it is original, the harmonies are conducted almost perfectly, and the screaming sections (which come frequently) are executed sharply, cut through the sound and land slightly aggressively on the crowds welcoming ears. The sound at times is reminicient of a heavier rock and roll band, at times similar to an older pop punk/emo feel and at times the screaming vocals of ‘Benjamin Kowalewicz’ fall neatly into the metal genre, but at all times the sound is wonderfully unique. Despite the changes in style in between the different songs, and the transitions between softer melodic sections into heavier distorted moments, the sound is always ‘Billy Talent’. Storming through a set of both old and new favourites, they seemed to please everyone, both old fans and new. Songs such as ‘Red Flag’ and new single ‘Rusted From the Rain.’
No disrespect to the rest of the band, but the star of the show for me was guitarist and backing vocalist ‘Ian D’sa’ (again, not sure on pronounciation). As the only guitarist in ‘Billy Talent’ he held the whole lead and rhythm section for the band, and he did it extremely well. The guitar tones and riffs are what make ‘Billy talent’s ‘sound’ their own. The riffs are often incredibly technical and performed skillfully, but when the guitar work needs to remain simple it does, to aid the effectivness of the overall song.
The unique style of music, guitar work, and ‘Ian D’sa’s strange plastic looking haircut all add up to a formidable combination, and one that I am glad I had the pleasure to witness. I left feeling impressed, satisfied and with the intent to head into town the next day to buy the new album.
Billy Talent - Manchester Academy 1 26/10/2009
FemaleFirst Edward Lewis
Photos:FemaleFirst Mark Forrer