REVIEW: Donnarumma – Billy Billy

Donnarumma

As far as EP’s go, Donnarumma are onto something quite possibly good. 

Billy Billy is quite possibly the five most different yet similar songs I have ever heard within a set of songs. Each one finding a very pleasant balance between acoustics and vocals, they all have distinct similarities mixed with differences in both tempo and emotive responses. With that in mind, there are clearly many ups and downs within the EP, many things I would change, but that does not mean to say that I would not listen to any of the songs again.

Donnarumma – Billy BillyThe EP begins with Love your Man, a very strong song to set the tone for the rest of the compilation. Raw and full of acoustic perfection, anyone who listens will find an almost relaxing oasis within a rock song which you could also say emits quite depressing vibes. It really is the perfect balance between Rock and Folk music creating an alternate style of music that incorporates many typically jazz themed instruments, such as the saxophone.

Taking into account the music video that was also created for the track, Donnarumma really know how to be unique and embrace the darker side of life. A clip filled with abduction, violence and a flood of crazy emotions, it’s definitely a watcher.

After having set the expectations for the rest of the EP quite high, Donnarumma follow with Into the Moss and The Anxious Dance, which both happen to be my two favourite songs in the compilation. Both deliver an almost ‘teen garage rock band’ vibe which personally resonates. Both pieces use the music as the focal point accompanied with minimal vocals really highlighting the instrumental genius within the songs. There is especially a very well done change in tempo within the latter song that instantly reminded me of Florence and the Machine.

The last two pieces on the EP, All Night Long and Billy Billy, could very well be seen as a very disappointing end to what had begun as a very interesting set of music. While All in the Night sounds very much alike to the classic Wonderwall by Oasis, the duo really didn’t hit the heights of the first three songs. It possibly could have been a smarter choice to end on a high with The Anxious Dance rather than a song simply due to it being the namesake of the EP. The songs are both by all means far from terrible, they just don’t compare to the rest.

All in all, I quite enjoyed Billy Billy, even though I believe a change in the order of the songs might have worked out better for the group. Their music style may not be entirely unique to stand on its own, however with more releases showcasing the instrumental components, Donnarumma are definitely a rock group to look out for.

Positives:

  • Delivers a very nice range of instrumental pieces
  • Uses a range of instruments
  • Gives off very strong vibes, each different
  • Very interesting music video 

Negatives:

  • Doesn’t end the EP on a strong note
  • Not consistent

Rating for Love Your Man: 7/10
Rating for Into the Moss: 8.5/10
Rating for The Anxious Dance: 9.2/10
Rating for All Night Long: 5/10
Rating for Billy Billy: 5.5/10
Rating for Billy Billy (EP): 7.5/10

If you enjoy their music as much as I did, you’re in luck because they are also going on tour! Check the dates and locations below.

Tour Dates:

Saturday July 1, 2017 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
Friday July 7, 2017 – Whole Lotta Love, Melbourne
Thursday July 13, 2017 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
Friday July 14, 2017 – The Townie, Sydney – FREE SHOW

**All shows are 18+**

– Written by Deli Ratnakirthi

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