BILLY LOCKETT - REFLECTIONS EP
Billy Lockett is an artist on the rise and his new EP Reflections will undoubtedly cement that trajectory, proving that one doesn’t need complicated, heavy-duty production to make a hit record
From Taylor Swift’s Folklore to Phoebe Bridgers’ Punisher, calm introspection seems to be what listeners are seeking during the imposed quiet months of quarantine, and Billy Lockett’s Reflections is a sober, heartfelt addition to the list. On March 19th, the acclaimed Northampton singer is releasing his self-produced EP, inspired by this past year’s pause from regular life and resulting confrontation with the self.
Reflections is a culmination of three singles leading up to the release: ‘Wasting Time’, ‘Inbetween’, and ‘Talk’, featuring Welsh singer Violet Skies. ‘Wasting Time’, with its powerful, cinematic chorus, and ‘Talk’, with its soaring, intimate harmonies, are the clear standouts. Nevertheless, the EP flows easily from one song to another like a stream of consciousness. Its bare production showcases Lockett’s commanding vocal delivery, underscored by rolling piano and orchestral elements. No song is too complicated or busy; Lockett clearly intended for his lyrics and voice to be the focal point and he delivers. Lockett draws influences from artists like James Arthur and Lewis Capaldi, the latter of whom he’s previously opened for.
The songs on Reflections flow seamlessly until the final song ‘Silence’. Subverting its own title-- and mood of the other tracks-- ‘Silence’ is uptempo with a pulsing dance beat. The closest thing to a classic “pop song” while maintaining Lockett’s vulnerability, it ends up being one of his most memorable songs. It is surprising that ‘Silence’ was not released as a single while ‘Inbetween’, which feels a bit like a filler, made the cut. ‘Don’t Mean A Thing’ is another song that could have been a single with its anthemic chorus, ethereal backing vocals, and dramatic string section. Hopefully, these songs receive the attention they deserve with the EP’s release.
The aptly-named Reflections EP is a candid look into the singer’s own life during this life-altering year, as Billy reflects on past romances, mistakes, and what’s truly important for him. Explaining its inspiration, Billy says: “I’ve called this EP Reflections because I think we’ve all recently lost so much communication with the people around us due to phones, work, addiction, money, ‘likes’, and the desperation to succeed. It is easy to lose touch with reality and forget about what’s important.” In that sense, the sound reflects its subject matter: Reflections strips away the showy production and forces us to focus on what matters-- the music itself.
Billy Lockett is an artist on the rise and his new EP Reflections will undoubtedly cement that trajectory. Already singles ‘Talk’ and ‘Wasting Time’ have appeared on official streaming playlists and been championed by BBC Radio, The Independent, and Evening Standard. Before lockdown, Billy toured with Lewis Capaldi, Birdy, and Lana Del Ray and appeared on The Late Show with James Corden. Billy Lockett’s Reflections prove that one doesn’t need complicated, heavy-duty production to make a hit record; he lets his tender vocals, pensive lyrics, and catchy song structure stand on its own. May this EP help the entire music industry reflect on what’s truly important.
Brendon Thabo
★★★★☆