Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – ‘Strange Form of Life EP’ (Domino) Released 19/03/07

As you would expect from a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a big ginger beard, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy is once again purveying gloomy all-American country like those Southern yanks do best.  The first and title track of the EP is very evocative music: let your mind wander to rolling hills, luscious landscapes and the open road, all while the soothing tones of Billy and his guitar roll gently underneath you.  ‘New Partner’ gives more of the same, but the guitar is more obvious, with a definite twangy sound.  Third track, ‘The Sun Highlights the Lack in Each’ is a bit more self-indulgent, and by the end of the song just sounds like a guy twiddling with his guitar whilst sitting on his porch in the evening sun. Definitely one for those who like to take life at a more relaxed pace.