Toronto's Billy Talent are a ferocious prospect, largely due to Benjamin Kowalewicz's startlingly raw vocal power (reminiscent of a certain Cedric, now fronting prog-metallers The Mars Volta). Indeed, the band were voted Best International Newcomers in various rock polls, though their first release Try Honesty lacked any significant mainstream success (despite being a rip-roaring punk rock song).
The Ex, unsurprisingly, is a tale of good times gone bad, and is so potently angry that you are left reeling and wondering what the hell went on to generate a track so vicious. Muted power chords chug throughout the verses and erupt into overdriven choruses. "Why would she put me through such torture?" screams Kowalewicz, "I would have given my life for her." It's not rocket science, but it's exactly what you want from your punk rock.
Billy Talent kick bands like Good Charlotte into a cocked hat, and deserve our thanks for that alone. The Ex is a hulking slice of bitterness, and the perfect advert for their critically acclaimed self-titled album. Definitely the most jaded Canadians since Alanis Morrisette.
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