Big Society - “Billy”
Big Society come to us from Manchester with their latest track, simply titled, “Billy.” But while the title is simple, the music it beholds will fill the hell out of your headphones. Musically akin to Wilco’s Summerteeth, but vocally divergent, “Billy” is becoming a fast favorite in the offices of UpToHear. Okay, so… it’s just a spare bedroom, but… still… The takeaway should have been “fast favorite.” Stop judging us!
As for the Wilco reference, bless Jeff Tweedy’s heart, but Big Society breathe fresh air in to the genre of ‘Americana-infused indie rock that often teases the edges of folk’. The opening guitar riff for “Billy” will rope you in immediately, but the vocals will make sure that you stay there for the track’s duration, as they are a flavor we’ve never quite heard before– or have not heard enough to draw any comparisons. This song has a reasonable amount of pep to it– the lyrics are a bit on the darker side, but, really, only in comparison to the instrumental.
We were not given any details on the band, but we do know that one of its members is named Will. Using our detective skills, we have concluded that this song was written by Will to his younger self, “Billy.” Indulging ourselves in this fantasy, Will is, perhaps, offering Billy some advice that, years later, already knows he did not take. We will wait for Big Society to read this and let us know how incorrect we are.
The chorus to “Billy” is catchy as all hell and will leave you humming it for the rest of the day week, but it also hosts pro level playing, recording, and production. This track comes ahead of their EP, A Quick One, While We’re Waiting, and we are hoping, wishing, and praying that they remember to forward us a copy because if the other tracks are anything like this one, it is pretty much all anyone is getting for Christmas this year– assuming that it’s out by Christmas– no pressure guys!
Big Society describe the track: “What began as a plea to a friend, ended up being much more autobiographical, ‘Billy’ is the writer’s thirst to free themselves from empty feelings and isolation into a place of new beginnings.” Give it a spin:
-TM