I know nothing about Ashes of Billy, other than that they sent me a perfectly-timed email; that they recorded with Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica) and that they are young enough (13, 14 and 15 years old) to make the average jaded hack feel depressingly old. I also know, having hit play, that they’re really good, tapping into a Freak Show-era Silverchair sound that I haven’t heard from a band in far too long.
The Right Place EP kicks off with Shamed and it really is a cracking track. All those alt rock attributes are present and correct – crystalline guitars, layered vocals and a world weary outlook – and you could easily be listening to a long lost Silverchair composition, perhaps with a touch of Kerbdog thrown in for good measure. While it cleaves close to its influences, it is an impressive opener and provides space for Ashes of Billy to find their own voice as they progress. Next up we get the title track, which stays in the same mode, although with a hint of early Pearl Jam incorporated into the wired riff that kicks it off. The band even find time to throw in a surprise, giving the wah pedal some serious stick on a funky breakdown that leads into a blistering solo. Up next, the subtle arpeggiated intro to Truth provides a calmer moment after the preceding bombast. Less successful than the opening numbers, it explodes on cue and has some solid playing but it feels too much like the token ballad expected of such an EP, and lacks the wide-eyed spontaneity of the band in full flight. Better is closing number Veil, even though it remains in similar territory, the grittier riffs and tightly wound vocal harmonies giving the track a stronger personality and providing the EP with a decent conclusion.
Ambitious and talented, Ashes of Billy have done well to incorporate their influences and create an EP of real merit with a producer who knows how to bring the best out of their gritty attack. As might be expected from a young but clearly fast-rising band, the focus is on finding a space within their influences rather than expanding upon that sound. That said, there are flashes of a contrary spirit, not least on the title track, which randomly and rather brilliantly sidesteps into funk, just when you least expect it. All in all this is a hell of an impressive offering and it harks back to the early 90s, when alt rock ruled the airwaves. I shall be watching Ashes of Billy with interest, I can’t help but feel that they’re going to be tackling bigger things very soon. 7.5/10
