Elly Roberts reviews

Sweet Billy Pilgrim: Twice Born Men

Distributed by
Samadhisound Records

Released: March 2009

Rating: 8/10

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File under Experimental/Pop the PR blurb suggests. Bang on.

(Are they Britain’s answer to Sigur Ros? Possibly)

If you’re looking for something completely new, and er, different, then clap yer ears on Twice Born Men.

Now be warned, this isn’t the sort of thing to bring you out in fits of dancing, or humming three minute pop tunes. Oh no, this serious stuff man.

Londoners SBP – Anthony Bishop, Tim Elsenburg, and Alistair Hamer - aren’t for the casual listener at all, but for you musos who’ve got time on your hands, to look beyond. So, by definition, like previous albums, much time is needed to fully appreciate what’s going on here, and in the end you might not. It’s 50-50.

When I see the word ‘experimental’ this reviewer is on his guard: it invariably means self-indulgence. And yes that applies here to a degree.

However, there is knack of making that appealing, much like the Prog Rockers on the 70s, not that this is rock per say.

After the spoken word accompaniment to some sound effects and gentle strums on Here It Begins, at just over two and a half minutes, Truth Only Smiles kicks-in. A slow build up sees the trio finally take flight with several instruments (banjo, drums, keys and more) merging gloriously, though because the CD gives no indication as to who’s playing what, we’re left to wonder. They sound like Sigur Ros at this point, and it sounds incredible.

Again, things happen slowly on Bloodless Coup, but when the build-up happens, once again, it proves to be an incredible audio experience, complete with a whopping chorus, beautifully sung by Elsenburg. The clunking banjo hints at Americana, but as with everything they do, little is given away about the origins and influences, which is part of their charm and heightens their curiosity value. They do cite Wu- Tang Clan, Nick Cave, Blue Nile, Iron and Wine as influences, so it’s all probably thrown into the pot.

If there is a blot on the landscape here, it’s the lacklustre Longshore Drift, which feels more like a filler to me – but not to them.

Bouncing right back comes the banjo-lead Kalypso, with several twists in stylings, swirling in harmony. How they pull all these audio colours is baffling and beguiling in equal measure, though it could have been shortened for maximum effect.

If I had to pick a best song, it would have to be the understated opus Joy Maker Machine, which they surprisingly pull-off at six minutes plus. Book-ending what is a fascinating listen, SBP close with the appropriately titled and sombre There It Will End.

Remarkably, another astonishing instrument is the multi-facetted voice of Tim Elsenburg, that puts the icing on the cake.

The verdict – Bring on the next album.

Weblinks: sweetbillypilgrim.com / myspace.com/sweetbillypilgrim / samadhisound.com

Radio: Hear tracks soon on THE PLUG at wrexham.com

The full list of tracks included are :

1. Here It Begins 2. Truth Only Smiles 3. Bloodless Coup 4. Longshore Drift 5. Kalypso 6. Future Perfect Tense 7. Joy Maker Machinery 8. There Will It End

Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.

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