friends of bill wilson

Friends of Bill Wilson are a Central New Jersey based hard rock band that I have had on my "must see live" radar for a while now. On discovering they were to play as part of a Gotham Rocks showcase at Crash Mansion in New York City on Saturday, February 21st, I knew my opportunity to check out what all the buzz was about had arrived.

Having to go on early is never the most optimal of circumstances (FOBW were actually first on this night - at the very un-rock star-like hour of just after 7 pm) but the band handled it like cool professionals. Getting the levels essentially set with their opening number, it was on their second song of the night where things immediately clicked in to gear. Playing their chugging-verse stomp "Ugly Man", one could pick up on lyrics exposing the darker side of our daily existence. Using the metaphor of a "broken leg" and "needing a cane" singer, guitarist and front man Damien Baldwin presented the story in a clear, unaffected (yet passionate) voice that pulled the listener in to his world. Second guitarist Kris Kaczynski provided a strong double-time chord progression on the instrumental interlude between verses, giving the song additional motion at just the right point. Bassist Rob Lampe chipped in with just the right amount of vocal harmonies, enhancing the overall sonic textures. There are interesting and unique stops and starts within this number.

This is a band that is not afraid to allow "spaces" within the overall sound. Damian also shows he is highly-evolved and sophisticated guitarist, as he effortlessly rips off hooky leads, with an impressively relaxed style.

The band immediately went into a song that I think is one of their best. "Extreme Isolation" is a dark and heavy number that deals the influences in this world that can turn you "cold inside". The song is as doom-filled and foreboding as anything the band Tool has done. From the opening riff - played in unison by the two guitarists - while bassist Rob stretches a rubbery bass line out of his instrument – the band laid down a heavy groove both melodic and forceful. Drummer Scott Smith was the picture of controlled power throughout. Damain delivered his vocal lines in cadence and phrasing style that is similar to Maynard James Keenan (of the aforementioned Tool) as well on this one. "Somebody tell me - what it will take to make me satisfied," he sings.

It is a flat-out great song. Damian rips into one of those relaxed, yet biting guitar solos, just long enough to set up the next verse. "And the monkeys are drooling," he sings - as the band emphasizes a heavy 1 - 2 - 3 in-between each vocal break. "When they're standing in line" 1 - 2 -3 "they're claiming what's mine."

Now having their loyal core audience (and perhaps some new fans) clearly in the palm of their hands, they then played “This Dissolution”, which also deals with disenchantment and the freeing from false belief or illusions.



Next up was “Red Tied” which opens with a heavy, foreboding groove, but then alters the tempo to something quicker for the verses. This underscores the meticulous songcraft involved here. Never content to just “lay on a single groove” FOBW appears to be challenging themselves, along with the listeners. Presenting imagery of “men in suits with red ties” and how “her life flashes by and she hopes that she dies”. However the female protagonist in fact “carries two lives” Yet “they won’t let her speak” and “won’t let her die.”

“We live to keep weak” and “place our bets on a life of denial.” Yes, “the young lady weeps, because she knows she’s on trial. It’s a science fiction nightmare, American style”. Lyrically this band pushes the literary envelope. Not only do the songs sound good, but there is also a dramatic story to be told.


What I like best about Friends of Bill Wilson is their relaxed and easy going stage presence, combined with the clean and spacious songs that underscore a precision and care in their construction. Damien’s rich guitar tones can be at one time warm and bluesy, and at others full of “metal guitar” crunch and power. Additionally, there are angular hooks galore – enough to capture the interest of first time listeners, while still pleasing the sonic palette of those more familiar. - www.TheWaster.com