Billy Vincent
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Billy Vincent are set to release their new EP, 'Once On The Grand Union' through Something Nothing Records on October 17th another set of zealous tracks that showcase a seamless progression from the rousing compositions of previous EP, 'King Island Coyote'.
Fronted by long time compatriots and best friends, Billy Barratt and David Vincent, the band have crafted a collection of songs that are as lyrically stimulating as they are musically.
From the sinister tale of 'St. Catherine's Oratory' and its relentless chant of "looking for the monsters from under my bed", through to the sprightly feel good message of 'Through Stations For Trains', Billy Vincent demonstrate a flair for creating diverse numbers, yet still keeping their own inimitable style and sound.
The latter half of 'Once On The Grand Union' sees the band unveil their softer side with a yarn of torturous love with 'Young Hearts', a side that stands out against the infectiously jaunty 'Truly' and its rousing sing-along chorus.
For the band, this latest EP is one that is close to their hearts, with frontmen Billy and David stating, "We knew that 'Once on the Grand Union' would be an opportunity to suggest where we're heading with the debut album; both sonically and structurally it's a development from earlier recordings. Each song offers something different but is still tied in; there are lots of twists and turns but the curtain falls on a happy note. The Grand Union Canal is an important thing to us, particularly the London stretch, these songs took a lot of inspiration from time spent there."
Produced by Billy Barratt and Junk Scientist, the band also made use of an array of instruments with extremely accomplished musicians at the helm throughout the EP. B.J. Cole famed for working alongside Elton John, Bjork, Elvis Costello, Graham Coxon to name a few, adds his distinctive pedal steel to 'Young Hearts' and 'Truly', and Martin Rossiter formerly of Gene, plays Hammond on the EPs opening two tracks and electric piano on 'Young Hearts'.
To coincide with the release of 'Once On The Grand Union', Billy Vincent will play an EP launch gig at The Wheelbarrow on Thursday 29th September, along with some very special guests. A full-length album from the London-based five piece will follow in the new year.
Billy Vincent are:
Billy Barratt & David Vincent vocals, guitars
Joseph Kinsey bass, harmonica, vocals
Matt Woodward fiddle, vocals
Jack Blenkinsop drums, vocals.
Billy Vincent - BIOGRAPHY
So what makes for a great band in 2011? Great songs, certainly. Singular looks and a gang mentality? That'll do nicely. But beyond that, you still need the indefinable quality, which tells you a group isn't just this year's model. Ladies and gentlemen, it's about time you met Billy Vincent.
"For us, it's all about passion" explains co-singer and songwriter David Vincent (Gram Parsons' hair; Bobby Gillespie's intensity).
"We strive to write classic songs, but for us it's as much about the delivery. If you don't put your heart and soul into it, it's pointless. And we give it everything we've got."
Rewind. Like all the best bands, Billy Vincent's roots run deep, down into their personal pre-histories. Back in fact, to a classroom in Sutton in the early '90's.
"We met at infants school" grins co-songwriter Bill Barratt (Damon Albarn's accent; David Beckham's grin).
"We've been best mates since we were four. We were at school together, met girls together, left home at the same time and then started the band. It's the whole picture."
As the years went by, the duo graduated from learning Kinks and Beatles riffs in their bedrooms (vinyl courtesy of Bill's dad) to composing their own songs, infused with the spirits of everyone from The Sonics to Bright Eyes; Tom Waits to Bon Iver.
"I haven't got an ipod" grins Bill, "I've got a suicide pod".
Most of all, they learned how all the truly great songs tell a story.
"We've learned our craft together" says David.
"We've learned how to sing in harmony and how our voices best complement each other. At the same time, everything we do is lyric led. The name is obviously an amalgam of our two names, but it's also a way of personifying what we do. We're storytellers."
Having weathered all the usual band-related upheavals, Billy Vincent settled upon their current line up in early 2010, their first gig (archivists take note) being at regular London haunt The Old Queen's Head.
Since then, their ferociously tuneful sound and the kinetic stage chemistry between Bill and David has won them converts everywhere from the Scottish Highlands to deepest Cornwall.
The band's latest offering is four track EP 'Once on the Grand Union', the menacing 'St. Catherine's Oratory' and the vivacious 'Through Stations For Trains' contrasting with the sorrowful tale of a harrowing love in 'Young Hearts' and the incessantly jovial 'Truly'. It's music to laugh, cry, fall in love and get drunk to.
"The album will be a full on London rock'n'roll album" grins David, as drinks are ordered, conversation fizzes and the band make their plans for the night. "It's still going to have that scuzzy feel to it, but it will have a very British sound too; aggressive, even though it will be mostly played on acoustic guitars." "With the occasional banjo, of course," adds Bill, raising a glass.
The best new band of 2011 will see you in the speakers.
Paul Moody London, 2011
