MBilly – Mister Nobody Baby

Contributor: Goldenring

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MBilly, project of singer-songwriter Will Helfrich, has a shiny new, hotly-anticipated album about to drop- Mister Nobody Baby. On first listen, it reminds me of something I’ve heard before, in a good way. It’s appropriate, since most folk music (excepting, perhaps, the “freak” folk variety) is supposed to remind us of something in theme and arrangement. MBilly has a raw quality to his voice and songs that are easy to relate to. What is it about them that’s so friendly, so comfortable, so inviting? Let’s take it piece by piece. Take, for example, the song “Weight of Gravity.” It’s the kind of gentle, sweet song you want to have in the background when you’re having a great moment with friends. It’s not all kodak moments for MNB, however. In contrast, “Future Mother” stands out with a somewhat brutal, but romantic theme. It’s the kind of song that refuses to be in the background, your ears will be glued to every minute. I should say also that it’s really refreshing to have someone successfully break away from folk music’s obsession with the common 4/4 time signature. By the same token, “Lost Bride” has an interesting piano part that makes the song earn its play time. It’s the song that feels most in touch with another generation… you want to walk into a dusty saloon and play it on an old upright. Likewise, the thudding, steady rhythm of closer, “Go To Man,” feels both comfortable and experimental at the same time, and ends up one of the album’s more memorable tracks. My pick for the album’s standout, however, is definitely “Drawn To You.” There’s something about lyrics like, “I’ll rough you up buddy if you fuck with me,”  the “tough-guy” attitude in complete contrast to the easy going instrumentation and his gently cracking voice. I love that. It makes me want to call up Will and ask him if he’ll write more lyrics like that. I’d say, “Thank you for combining soft melodies with lines about fights.”

A note on the cover of “I Want You To Want Me”: Why? That song is pretty tired. I can see it being of use live and fans probably love it but I am of the opinion that if you’re capable of writing quality songs (which Helfrich is), then stick to that unless there is a super good reason to do a cover (like a brilliant arrangement that everyone needs to hear). I also admit to wondering if the live show would seem too familiar. We have to admit that Portland is full to the brim with folk-song-writing boys like Helfrich, armed with pretty voices. Among this stiff competition, will MBilly rise above the rest? I think he just might. At any rate I’ll be keeping a close eye on these fellows and what they do. Though I haven’t seen the band play live yet, I’m curious enough to head out to their next gig, and I guarantee that after a good listen to Mister Nobody Baby, you’ll probably feel the same.

MBilly Myspace