After honing his craft with Western Australian bands like Old Blood and the Southern River Band, Julian Peet is striking out on his own. Recording under the moniker Sad King Billy, he’s just dropped his self-titled debut. This diverse collection of songs serves as the perfect introduction, or perhaps reintroduction, to this talented artist.
The opening track “Bad Man” drew me in with its chilled guitar groove and poetic lyrics. I’m such a sucker for a great turn of phrase. But this is just the start of the journey. Sad King Billy doesn’t like to keep us in the same place too long. He plays with genres, keeping us guessing with every track. “Lately” starts like a simmering rock song but explodes with a psychedelic guitar crescendo. “Every Part of Us” is one of the most exquisite acoustic guitar ballads you’re likely to hear. I found myself on the edge of my seat, wondering what Sad King Billy would serve up next. “Don’t Come Back” has the cool country-inspired rock feel of a Tom Petty track. “Runneth” has a dark, bluesy feel that is so compelling. The album’s closing numbers, “The People Forgotten” and “Ode to a Dying Race”, are every bit as epic as their titles suggest. They’re the kind of experimental numbers you used to hear on classic albums from bands like Pink Floyd and Yes. It’s the sort of music you don’t hear these days. It’s too long for radio play and too polarising for audiences. I admire the bravery of leaving the listener with these final impressions.
Sad King Billy’s debut is an eclectic album, but that’s a great part of its charm. His compelling vocals and stellar songwriting stamp are ever present, ensuring that no matter what genre he plays with, it feels right. With so many twists and turns, you might not like it all, but I guarantee something will resonate with you. Take a listen.
Main image credit: Emelia Peet