Release Date: October 4, 2011
Throughout his vast career, Will Oldham has recorded under the names Palace Brothers, Palace Songs and Palace Music. He has been in multiple films, including Jackass 3D, released an extensive amount of LPs and EPs, and collaborated with dozens of musicians. This down-home, bearded singer-songwriter can gain no comparisons because he has continued to be a standout artist in true Americana folk.
Oldham’s newest melancholy release, Wolfroy Goes to Town, is the 11th album under his current and most frequented moniker Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Rooting traditional country and infusing modern alternative folk, Oldham sings a soft whisper accompanied mostly by a soothing string melody.
Recorded in Oldham’s home state of Kentucky, this album is pure and raw. Featuring a huge list of collaborators such as Ben Boye, Van Campbell, Emmitt Kelly, Shahzad Ismaily, Danny Keily and Angel Olsen, Wolfroy Goes to Town is intimate and warm.
This album is a perfect seasonal treat. From the whimsical vocals to the carefully scatted acoustic guitar, Wolfroy Goes to Town can easily be translated into a soundtrack to a quaint bonfire. It’s the calming vocals and the minimal instrumentation, though, that makes this album a little sleepy.
His simplicity is soothing, like a cool breeze through rattling leaves—it could even be therapeutic. In songs such as “New Tibet” and “We Are Unhappy” the tempo is barely moving, a true country sentiment. For Bonnie “Prince” Billy, there is no need for synthesizers, computers or even percussion for the most part.
Opening track, “No Match” is an Elvis Presley-like ballad. It’s a beautiful rendition of true Americana. With howling vocals and steady humming guitar, Oldham transports his listeners to an old Western saloon. It’s his simple storytelling and slow singing that translates this 21st century troubadour into a modern-day classic.
In the most upbeat track, “Quail and Dumplings,” a crying Olsen adds an abrasive texture. Her gritty, deep howl is enchanting. Followed by a heavy bassline, this song resembles a 1950s rockabilly tune.
“Night Noises” is a stunningly sparse, yet optimistic, final track. The harmonized vocals between Oldham, Kelly and Olsen make this song delicate and careful: “Weakness, we should celebrate. Not let others drag you under.”
Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s traditional folk is thoughtful and petite, and Wolfroy Goes to Town is another beautiful piece of his seemingly never-ending collection. Oldham has a distinct way of turning ’50s-inspired country into modern Americana without encompassing modern technologies. This album is reminiscent of simple times, and sometimes it’s comforting to hear that.
Bonnie “Prince” Billy – Wolfroy Goes to Town tracklist:
- “No Match”
- “New Whaling”
- “Time to Be Clear”
- “New Tibet”
- “Black Captain”
- “Cows”
- “There Will Be Spring”
- “Quail and Dumplings”
- “We Are Unhappy”
- “Night Noises”
