You could call him a musical minimalist. You could categorize his style as emerging folk rock. But no matter how you describe him, Will Oldham's comfortable, organic sound is inescapable.
This native Kentuckian has been the front-man (and sometimes only member) of numerous projects since his debut in 1992, including Palace Music and Palace Brothers. The first release under his current moniker, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, was 1998's Black Dissimulation, which was followed by six more full length albums and three EPs.
Over the past seven years as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Oldham has collaborated with other musicians, including his two brothers. Oldham's characteristic style always remains predominant in the final product.
However, his most recent release, Superwolf, shows more of a joint effort than any previous album, with guitarist Matt Sweeney credited for writing the music while Oldham contributed lyrics. Not to fear, an ear uneducated in the background of Superwolf's production probably would not notice much of a stylistic change in guitar, thanks to Sweeney's uncannily perfect blending with the well-established Bonnie 'Prince' Billy sound.
Sweeney also sings background harmonies, adding a unique, high-pitched, yet smooth emotional strain to the softness of Oldham's voice. This combination makes the lyrics undoubtedly more meaningful because they sound like the softened whine that often follows a good cry. The gentle vocal delivery also complements Oldham's blunt sexual imagery. His complete lack of euphemistic metaphor makes his words honest and powerful against such a mild vocal backdrop.
With his high forehead, glinting eyes and scraggy facial hair, Will Oldham is the picture of an emotional, woodsy musician. Often pictured in a T-shirt, with an unkempt beard and merely a smirk, Oldham's personal style reflects his somber, lo-fi music.
His music has been described as brooding and brittle, and the April 24th performance of his newest work should be nothing short of an intimate glimpse into the mind of this charmingly tormented folk singer.
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and Matt Sweeney are currently touring their new album, and only ten U.S. dates were scheduled, including New York, Philly, Boston, and Oldham's hometown of Louisville, KY. Charlottesville is very lucky to have these two musicians performing at its new venue, the Satellite Ballroom. Flyers around Grounds advertise the show's title as "Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Matt Sweeney play Superwolf," which sounds like they may be playing the album in its entirety. We'll have to wait and see!
If artists like Sam Beam of Iron & Wine, Elliott Smith and Neil Young appeal to you, then you should check out the Bonnie "Prince" Billy show on April 24th at the Satellite Ballroom.
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