‘Policy’ might be Will Butler’s first solo offering, but it’s by no means his first time at the rodeo. Given his steady gig as Arcade Fire’s pogo-happy jack-of-all-trades, expectations of a sweeping, ambitious opus were established early on. But, this is a refreshingly unique album that obliterates all preconceptions.
While Take My Side spews back-to-basics rock ’n’ roll and garage rock, Butler is happy to quickly shift dynamics on the toe-tapping, drum machine-fueled Anna, the first single to be taken from the record. The blend of electronics, piano and wind accompaniment is an interesting amalgamation, but your little piggies will not stop moving for a second.
The theme continues. Each song has its own character and narrative, the threads held together by recurring themes of memory, loss and joy. God also crops up a few times.
“The lord, the lord, is watching but he’s not your friend,” Butler sings on Something’s Coming. On Son Of God, meanwhile, he declares: “If the son of god would write it down for me in his own handwriting, then I’d be good, I’d be good, I swear I’d be good.”
The words that course through ‘Policy’ are poignant, candid and delightfully odd. On Finish What I Started Butler reveals: “I know what I wanted to say, but the words in my mouth I just swallowed away.” Two songs later he’s making the strangest of propositions: “If you come and take my hand I will buy you a pony, we can cook it for supper. I know a great recipe for pony macaroni.”
Butler is determined not to take this whole solo album thing too seriously. ‘Policy’ runs away with itself at times but, in all honesty, it’s so entertaining that it’s a ride you’ll gladly take.
Will Butler Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon April 20 2015 - GLASGOW School of Art
Tue April 21 2015 - MANCHESTER Deaf Institute
Wed April 22 2015 - LONDON Scala
Thu April 23 2015 - BIRMINGHAM Temple, Institute
Sat April 25 2015 - DUBLIN Whelans
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