There’s something to be said when an artist’s debut offering hits all the right nerves right off the bat. “Hit repeat please”, says I to my neighbour. Hello again ‘Do’Oa’, my newest jam from an artist equally as new – well kinda new. A new project by name, Evidence of a Struggle is an art rock / experimental rock project revolving around William P C Simmons V a.k.a. Rev. Billy Simmons, a Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist who, when he isn’t making or recording music, happens to run (and presumably create hair designs) at Rev Billy’s Chop Shop, recognized for its transformative hairdos and also award-winning art gallery space. Here we have a man with two clear-cut passions – all the most interesting.
But Rev. Billy is not new to making music – back during his university years (a few decades ago), he was noticed for his unique style and songcrafting, which led him to drop his studies in favour of working with a series of labels and individual musicians and labels, such as RCA, Touch and Go, BMG and Universal.Tried, tested and true – that’s nothing to sneeze at.
‘Do’Oa’ combines the coolness of electric jazz, Krautrock-inspired post-rock and atmospheric art rock, offering a gripping and upbeat, yet refined, sound and thoughtful arrangement with sonic prowess. We can already look forward to hearing the full album.
More recently, Rev. Billy began to work on his debut eponymous album (scheduled for release on June 9) under this moniker, creating music that blends the best of such artists as Sputnik’s Down, Tortoise, Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Spiritualized and Yo La Tengo. On this debut album, which offers 13 songs, sees Rev. Billy plays every instrument – guitar, drums, piano, synth and violin – recorded and engineered from his home studio, The Glue Factory. When Covid restrictions were lifted, he began working with Sanford Parker (Voivod, Russian Circles, Yob, Eyehategod, Wovenhand, Darkthrone, Youth Code, Pelican), who helped produce and record the final versions of the songs for this record, as well as mastering.
Cinematic, moody and invigorating, this initial sonic sculpture offers a beautiful introduction to the album that follows. The accompanying video was created by Chicago-based artist John Airo, who has been creating videos and album covers for this project, using the music to guide him in this process.
Most recently, Matt Walker (of1000faces, Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, Garbage, Filter) became involved in this project, playing drums and helping with production with Matt’s brotherSolomon Walker (Morrissey, Bryan Adams, Eastern Shadows, Year of the Rabbit) and Alan Berliant (Chris Connelly, Mavis Staples, Saint Asonia) also contributing bass.
As of April 4, the ‘Do’Oa’ single will be available across digital platforms and Bandcamp, where the full ‘Evidence of a Struggle’ album (out June 9) can already be pre-ordered.
CREDITS
All music written by William P C Simmons V (aka Rev. Billy)
Performed by William P C Simmons V (aka Rev. Billy)
Produced by Sanford Parker
Loveless Publishing ASCAP
Video by John Airo
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