Billy Talent : Afraid Of Heights
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Billy Talent : Afraid Of Heights

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Afraid of Heights is the fifth studio album from Canadian punk band Billy Talent and the first album the band have released in the absence of original drummer Aaron Solowoniuk, who has been forced to take a lengthy break from music due to health concerns. That said, Jordan Hastings (Alexisonfire) is the one holding the sticks on this album and he doesn’t miss a beat.

 

Despite missing a founding member, the group have had no trouble channelling their almost-trademark political angst into yet another album full of catchy, angry, punk rock.

 

Opening track Big Red Gun gives a frustrated assessment of America’s current gun issues, while This Is Our War calls for a fully fledged political revolution. Louder Than The DJ laments the over-commercialisation of the music industry and the way culture has been saturated by formulaic pop garbage.

 

Billy Talent used every track to make a statement and their anger can be felt through every song. This isn’t an album for someone who wants to be left with positive vibes about the world.

 

For the most part, the tracks are quick, punchy and vintage Billy Talent. Lead vocalist Benjamin Kowalewicz’s distinctive voice soars and screams above the fast paced guitar riffs and drum grooves with a typical intensity, affording himself no breaks on what is a front to back punk album.

 

This is the Billy Talent of old, and it’s hard to go past the obvious political themes present throughout. The lyrics and themes are front and centre with the musical compositions sounding like Billy Talent has always sounded. This isn’t an album the group has used to explore their musical boundaries, more to express their disgust with the current state of the world.

 

If you wanted Billy Talent to move into more experimental ground, you’re going to be disappointed, but if you love their brand of catchy, angry, punk rock, then you’re in for a treat.

 

BY NATHAN QUATTRUCCI