Billy Howerdel – What Normal Was
(Alchemy Recordings / Rise Records / BMG)
Reviewed by Bridget Herlihy.
Billy Howerdel’s first solo album under his own name, ‘What Normal Was’, has been a long time in the making. Perhaps best known as guitarist, composer and mastermind of A Perfect Circle, it has been 14 years since Howerdel released ‘Keep Telling Myself It’s Alright’ under the moniker of ASHES dIVIDE, and four years since APC’s last album ‘Eat The Elephant’. Yet despite producing work under several different banners, the common luminous thread that weaves through each of these is Howerdel’s exceptional creative flair and sonic artistry.
Whereas ‘Keep Telling Myself It’s Alright’ was predominantly a guitar-based album, ‘What Normal Was’ sees Howerdel present a more considered and pared back – and arguably more mature – sound. Some of the edgy guitar riffs of the former have been pared back, thus executing a sound that is more melodic and engaging. Greater use of synths, at times evoking echoes ‘Disintegration’ era Cure, in conjunction with Howerdel’s distinctive guitar playing, create lush layers of ambiance.
While writing the album Howerdel revisited and drew inspiration from some of the early musical passions of his formative years, in particular The Cure, Pink Floyd and Echo and the Bunnymen. He has commented that ‘What Normal Was’ is in essence “stepping back into my early teen self and making the record I would have made if I had the means and the knowledge when I first picked up a guitar – just in 2022”. These influences are woven into the record’s ten tracks in a very natural and subtle manner, creating a beautifully dark, brooding and phantasmical sonic prog-rock journey that is ripe for wrapping – and losing – oneself in.
From the very outset ‘What Normal Was’ offers a captivating listening experience. Opening track ‘Selfish Hearts’ is one of many highlights on the album; an exquisite, cathartic synth-driven track whose beauty continues to grow with each and every listen. Second track ‘Free and Weightless’, is markedly more edgy and beat-heavy, with the guitars more prominent in the mix. ‘Poison Flowers’ is one of the album’s heavier tracks, while ‘Ani’ is a dreamy upbeat yet paradoxically sombre tune. ‘EXP’ is largely a mellow instrumental track with some scattered vocals added to the mix to create an immersive soundscape. Final track ‘Stars’ has a lighter ethereal feel to it, closing out the album on a bright note.
Lyrically, Howerdel has penned words that capture the mood of the album with great clarity and honesty. These are words that resonate deeply on more than one level, with the vocals delivered beautifully with integrity and empathy. To hear Howerdel’s voice front and centre is a joy in itself.
With Howerdel poised to embark on an extensive North American tour in the coming days, one can only hope that he pays the Antipodes a visit; there is no doubt that experiencing this album performed live would be sublime.
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Saw him last night in a small venue in Nor Cal. What a show. Great songs and production. Very intimate.