Billy Talent - Devil In A Midnight Mass (Atlantic)
UK release date: 12 June 2006
Kicking off with what sounds like a crunching Muse riff played at double speed, this is the return of Billy Talent, those distinctively grouchy Torontonians. Have they retained their relatively high standards?
They just about have. Although Devil In A Midnight Mass has the band sounding cleaner and more sterilised than efforts of old, the BT formula remains intact: Ian D'Sa's agile fretwork is still the ideal foil for Ben Kowalewicz's tortured yelps, and a helpful reminder doesn't always have to be blocky chords and downtrodden moans.
I could be mistaken, but this comeback track appears to deal with the subject of vengeance against an immoral, predatory priest. With the next album certain to explore similar themes, surely there are few better ways to usher in a gentle and relaxing summer...