What You Hear Is What You Get... (Billy Talent - Billy Talent)

Member Name: kellface

Product:	Billy Talent - Billy Talent
Date:	11/05/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loud, Emotional, Great solid Album

Disadvantages: None..

Released in September of 2003, the self titled debut album from Canadian rockers Billy Talent. Having previously released an album under the bands former name of Pezz in 1999, the self titled album is by far better than the first, and is a great album for people to get into the band for the first time. After 6 years it's still a firm favourite in my CD collection, I absolutely love it!

Band members : Benjamin Kowalewicz (Lead Vocals), Ian D'sa (Guitar, Vocals) Jonathan Gallant (Bass guitar, Vocals) and Aaron Solowoniuk (Drums), came together way back in 1993, under the band name Pezz. Thankfully a name change later and they've released 3 albums, currently working on number 4 I believe. Their sound is a bit Punk rock / post hardcore, damn right brilliant in my opinion.

- The Album -

Consisting of 12 tracks in total

1. "This Is How It Goes" : Opens up with a slow guitar riff and cymbals, before breaking into a very heavy bass and drums fill. A great opening song for the album. The vocals are nice and simple in the verses before blasting into a screaming, loud and in your face chorus, which is all down to Benjamin Kowalewicz's raw sounding voice.

2. "Living In The Shadows" : Another great song, great musically and a catchy loud chorus.

3. "Try Honesty" : One of my favourite Billy Talent songs. It starts with a nice little guitar riff with drums and a little bass before heading into a well written verse vocally. The bridge and chorus are loud and full of emotion. This was the first song released from the album, it reached number 1 in Canada, 24 in the US and an impressive 68 in the UK which is good for a new unheard of punk/rock band these days, as the charts over here are filled with Rap/Dance crap music lol!

4. "Line & Sinker" : This was the first song I heard from Billy Talent, loud straight from the outset. Screams of "what you see is what you get". I love this song, it's very much what I'm like as a person, what you see is definitely what you get. I'm not trying to be something I'm not, I'm proud of being a little different etc. This song is loud and full of emotion throughout and makes me feel quite pumped up and ready for anything. Thus why it's probably one of my favourite's of theirs.

5. "Lies" : A bit of a slower song this one, starts with guitar and some loud drums before heading into an emotional verse. Even though it's a little slower than the first few songs, it's still just as catchy.

6. "The Ex" : Another great song, packed full of raw emotion and just as catchy as the previous 5 songs. Unlike a lot of bands who normally fill up the middle of the album with mediocre songs, every song on this album is awesome!

7. "River Below" : Catchy little riff and vocals at the start of this song, the bass can be heard quite loud on this song, another little lovely guitar riff through the bridge before the cracking chorus. It got to number 1 in the Canadian charts when it was released as a single in 2004.

8. " Standing In The Rain" : Another cracking song, firm vocals throughout the verses with angry punchy screams in the chorus.

9. "Cut The Curtains" : Even this late on in the album, the songs are still just as good, another great song, opening with a loud bass riff. Each song on this album is packed full of emotion and has a raw sound, and this song is no different.

10. "Prisoners of Today" : A powerful song this one, and you can tell from the vocals. The song opens up with some cymbals before a great bass line and then into guitars and vocals. The bridge is quite soft before breaking into a loud chorus.

11. "Nothing to Lose" : Another firm favourite of mine on the album. Again its full of emotion but it's still catchy and loud, with lots of screams towards the end of the song. It's based on a suicidal teenager who suffered from rejection from his peers. It's quite a gut wrenching song, lyrics like "there's nothing to lose, when no one knows your name". Also "Teacher said it's just a phase. When I grow up my children will probably do the same." Quite strong lyrics, but just listen to the song seriously, its powerful and pretty awesome.

12. "Voices of Violence" : Fast right from the start. It's a good song to finish the album with, it's not as good as their other songs but it's a good finisher.



- Overall -

I've only seen the band once, when they headlined the second stage at Download Festival in 2007, but my god they were awesome! Full of energy, angry and loud. The whole crowd was singing loudly and going mental for each and every song. The band were full of energy, singer Benjamin was sweating all over the place, but it's not surprising seeing as though he didn't stand still for 1 second, throwing himself around the stage screaming from the top of his lungs. Musically it was just like listening to the actual album, but a lot louder and even more raw.

What I love about Billy Talent is they can make emotional songs, without them being all slushy, and whiney. They make their emotional songs that more powerful and loud. Emotional doesn't mean sadness, it means a variety of things.
Emotion can be found on every one of their songs, whether it be anger, frustration or sadness. The album has a mixture of it all, but each one is portrayed with loud music and louder vocals which I love.
The whole album sounds raw, but perfectly constructed.

I'd recommend anyone who's a fan of punk rock, and loud sounds to give this album a listen you'll be hooked. Also if you get the chance to see them live, do so! I'm seeing them again at this years Download Festival and I can't wait!!

Thanks for reading! :)

Summary: www.billytalent.com