Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Beware (Domino) Bonnie 'Prince' Billy is one of those artists with that uncanny ability to cast a spell over the lot of us. Be it a southern state pickup truck driver blasting out Country FM on his way to toss hay-bails, or a bedroom bound indie-kid meandering through internet forums with every increment of his spare time, Billy can strike a chord and, unbelievably, relate to our common humanity. This common humanity is clearly that, however latent, we'd all love a good barn dance. Billy is on form as usual with 'Beware', his trademark gruff warble accentuating every melody with heartfelt grace. In the background guitars slide in and out of the haze of his delicate instrumentation. Standout track 'You Can't Hurt Me Now' sways along like a night on the prairie with brass punctuating the great pale moon in the sky. Then nearing the end the Bonnie Prince is given the chance to soar - these are the moments of transcendence that most albums don't even come close to - the common humanity is in full swing. The rest of the record is dotted with this dynamic pattern, until we're left with Billy's closing gesture - 'Afraid Ain't Me'. As with his past history, he reminds us that he will struggle steadfast out of any pigeonhole using any tools available - this time tribal drumming and an untamed flautist. Then a perfect vocal crescendo dollops wads of icing on an already well decorated cake, and as usual pleases us all. www.dominorecordco.com GB Next