Billy Harvey – Bearsick Reviewed by Witz

Subdued singer/songwriter rock. Austin singer/songwriter Billy Harvey at first listen, could be easily compared to Elliott Smith or Beck, and, indeed, he exhibits these influences with little subtlety. That is not, however, the entirety of Billy Harvey. Upon further investigation, it becomes obvious that while Harvey starts out with basic ingredients such as Elliott Smith and Beck, he then adds more subtle flavors and spices, giving listeners a lot to take in on his third self released LP. This might not be the most original album of the year, but Harvey definitely digests a lot of influences and produces something worth listening to. FCC 6

**1) Slower, guitar-picking, melancholy-beauty. Elliott Smith incarnate. (3:20)
*2) Slightly poppy, up-tempo, subdued vocals. (3:30)
3) Bluesy, beatnik, Tom Waits like jam. (2:52)
4) Airy, minimalistic guitar and vocals. Hints of Thom Yorke and Rufus Wainwright. (3:11)
5) Mellow doo-wop instrumentals. Spoken vocals. (3:24)
6) FCC (fuck). Subdued, bluesy, moody, steady bass and drums. (3:14)
*7) Nice guitar song. Steady guitar and vocals. Mellow, but catchy. (3:05)
8) Quiet, guitar-picking, nice melody, depressed vocals. (3:25)
**9) Somewhat upbeat, thumping track. Nice moody vocals and some urgency. (3:36)
10) Rock n’ roll bluesy guitar and vocals. Elliott Smith meets The Black Keys. (4:02)
11) Morose, hypnotic instrumentals and chant. “Look at me, I am free, I am everything you want to be…” (4:17)