When Michael Turner's book Hard Core Logo about a Canadian punk band hit bookshelves back in 1993 a band hailing from Streetsville, ON called Pezz began making music. So what's the connection you may ask? Well, Pezz eventually became Billy Talent, a name borrowed from Hard Core Logo's guitar player (though spelled Tallent in the book), forever linking the two. Billy Talent are now a household name in Canada's rock scene, but their independent beginnings tell the story of a hard working, talented and very ambitious band trying to make their mark. Pezz' first full length release, 1998's "Watoosh!", is a blend of straight up rock 'n roll, punk, ska, and metal which garnered the band a spot in the independent rock scene while their high-energy live shows earned them a following of loyal fans eager to match the band's intensity. Embracing but certainly not bound by their influences (The Clash through the Pixies right up to At The Drive In and Rage Against The Machine), vocalist Ben Kowalewicz, guitarist Ian D'Sa, bassist Jon Gallant, and drummer Aaron Solowoniuk along with producer Brad "Merlin" Nelson delivered an album that fires on all cylinders and then some. Songs like "Warmth Of Windows" and "When I Was A Little Girl" make it impossible for the listener to sit or even stand still. While the band has remained the same their name and their music have both evolved and the success of Billy Talent's 2003 self-titled release is proof of the latter. Now calling Toronto home the original members of Pezz remain true to their roots and are dedicated to making great music together as a band no matter the moniker. "Watoosh!" is a must for any Billy Talent fan and is an album that marked the beginning of a career that is finally taking off with no end in sight. |
