Album Review

Billy Vincent – Dead Man’s Shoes

• 13th Aug 2012

Dead Man’s Shoes is the second single to be released from indie folk rockers Billy Vincent’s fine debut album, She, released earlier this year.

The opening track on the album, Dead Man’s Shoes begins with a burst of pure folk and a great opening couplet: “She said our love’s like a paper cut/ she didn’t know it was there till it hurt so much”. This is a love song with a difference and the sharp lyrics match the pace of the track.

There’s a wistful melancholy to the song and David Vincent’s vocals are clear and emotional. Acoustic guitars dominate the backing but there are subtle touches of piano and pedal steel that add much to the overall effect. It’s a lovely song with a country vibe to its folks tone.

The second track on the single release is Squeaky Clean, which is not on the album. A slower track, here we see Vincent pleading for forgiveness and looking for redemption. There is a great bass line through the song and the pace picks up for the passionate chorus. This is another fine track from a band that specialises in well crafted and poignant songwriting.