While all acoustic
folk
-based bands are throwbacks of a sort,
the Bills
purposely cultivate an "old time" aura. Even the group's photo, tinged in sepia, reminds one a bit of
the Band
circa 1968.
The Bills
' subject matter -- like
's and
the Grateful Dead
's -- is tinged with Americana, though presented in an elliptical manner. There are Biblical floods, wise fools, and references to jigger poles, temptress hens, and drunken moons. The title track tells the odd tale of chickens running free, though there also seems to be a pun on runny eggs, while
"Lay Down"
mixes images of food and sensuality. What exactly these songs are saying is anyone's guess, but as with the above-mentioned artists, literal meaning matters less than evoking a mysterious mood.
--
Marc Atkinson
,
Adrian Dolan
Glen Manders
Jeremy Penner
, and
Chris Frye
-- are also great musicians who add, surprisingly, a touch of the classical to their instrumental work. This combination of
classical
, and, yes, even
Cajun
, guarantees a variety of approaches from song to song, and also gives the band a distinct sound.
, good musicians and singers, combine solid material with an evocative presentation. While purists may prefer the rougher edges of old-time
, most listeners will probably prefer
' smooth professionalism and enthusiasm. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.