Billy Talent

Billy Talent II

5/5

Key Tracks: Devil In A Midnight Mass, Worker Bees, Fallen Leaves, Burn The Evidence

A band's second album is usually hurried and rushed – written and recorded in only months, because fans want a quick sequel. Billy Talent, however, took their time, and released their sophomore album 3 years after their '03 debut release. Despite the fact that the entire album is available free on their website, it went platinum on the 4 th day. It's become one of my favourite albums of all time and I've yet to hear anything but unanimous acclaim for it.

They outdid their first album on this one, managing to grow and mature vocally and musically both as artists and as people while still retaining Billy Talent's inimitable sound. Revisiting punk rock's thematic roots, BT critiques society, our ideals, and redefines "mainstream." Tracks like "Pins and Needles" and "Surrender" are clear examples of the more melodic sound of BT.II when compared to their first album.

Fans who worried that Billy Talent's rise to success would have them change their sound can now rest in contented peace – aside from reduced screaming, all of Ian's guitar riffs could easily have been from BT.I. This Toronto-based band, who've toured and toured and toured to promote their first album, will be touring and touring and touring again for their second. Be sure to check them out if they're playing near you. This band truly has an unyielding one in a million sound, and they've proved it with their smooth continuation from their first record to their second.

+Grace
August 9, 2006