Boston-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Billy Thompson has always been an artist unafraid to traverse diverse musical landscapes. From his early days as a session musician to fronting his own group, his eclectic approach has been a hallmark of his career. On his latest album, ‘Johatsu’, written throughout January 2025 and recorded that spring at Jamaica Plain, MA’s Dimension Sound, Billy delivers a deeply personal and sonically rich exploration of life's unpredictable turns.
The album's title, ‘Johatsu’, refers to a Japanese phenomenon where individuals, facing hardship, seem to simply "evaporate" into the night. Throughout the album, Billy masterfully weaves this poignant concept into his own narratives of lost love and forgotten dreams, painting a vivid picture of a man in perpetual motion, searching for his place in the world. As Billy himself put its, "This record explores a wide range of styles and emotions—joyous, desperate, unsettled, reflective, and hopeful. A reflection of the man who created the music."
‘One Song Away’ serves as a gorgeous opening, built on a rising, melodic acoustic guitar and Thompson’s softly sung, almost Ben Gibbard-esque vocals. Its poignant lyrics, like "as the day begins to fade and night surrounds your face, I turn to leave but your eyes won't let me go," immediately pull the listener into the album's introspective mood. The journey quickly takes a different route with ‘Born To Die Alone’, firing on all cylinders with a brooding jazz undertone fused with dirty rock anthemics, showcasing Thompson's versatility.
The album's title track, ‘Johatsu’, stands as a true highlight. Winding electric guitar chords and steady percussion are beautifully split by light, expressive piano keys. The slow tempo lends a captivating weight, while Thompson's crooning vocals possess a cinematic flair. Another standout, ‘The Art Of Disappearing’, is a progressive piece perfectly suited to Thompson’s vocal range. Its steady pace and floating atmospherics create an absorbing soundscape, punctuated by a perfectly placed funk influence that emerges during the chorus.
Closing the album, ‘Shadowlands’ continues the dynamic shifts, with a scintillating electronic pulse setting a compelling tone. Heavy piano keys land decisively, driving the song towards a simmering, constrained melody that just yearns to break free.
‘Johatsu’ is a powerful illustration of Billy’s songwriting prowess and his ability to craft an album that is both intimately personal and universally resonant. The tracks, shine as emotive chapters and concepts, standing firm with their own creative flair, while also fitting into the greater narrative with an easy charm.
With high-energy performances balanced by introspective mood pieces, supported by his band and talented guest musicians, this record is a journey well worth taking. For more from Billy Thompson, be sure to join him on Facebook and Instagram.
