Album Review

Billy Vincent – Bottle Top

• 22nd Mar 2012

Bottle Top is the first single to be taken from London five piece folk rockers Billy Vincent’s forthcoming debut album She, to be released in May.

Acoustic guitars back singer David Vincent, who formed the group with fellow frontman Billy Barratt. The song is a lament to lost love, the vocals deep and powerful over the delicate instrumental backing. The lyrics are expressive (‘Wandering London’s underground tripping on wishes’) and the pain inherent in the words is nicely portrayed. A combination of guitar and violin works well before a more expansive instrumental section and then a final flourish.

The second track on the release, The Raleigh Burner Song, is a gentle reminiscence of childhood friendships and first love. Referencing cowboy and indian costumes as well as the bike in the title it tells wistfully of long gone times when life was much simpler and the sun always shone. A violin solo features in the bridge before the mood of the sing becomes mournful and it doesn’t end well for our young lovers.

As a taster for the album to come these two songs work rather nicely. They are stylish and well written and both are musically interesting. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Billy Vincent.