The Band: The younger brother of Arcade Fire patriarch Win, Will Butler has been carving out a name for himself in his own right over the past year having firstly scooped an Academy Award nomination for his work co-scoring the film ‘Her’ and now releasing his inaugural solo album, Policy. The multi-instrumentalist has named influences behind the new record as eclectic as Bob Dylan to Ghostface Killah.
The Sound: Packed with synth bleeps, pointed horn riffs and an infectious chorus hook, second single ‘Anna’ harks to Butler’s 80’s new wave influences such as Talking Heads and Devo. Despite being more irreverent and immediately digestible than most Arcade Fire cuts, the bands well-worn themes of mortality and anxiety still manifest lyrically.
The Video: Often labelled the energy and driving force behind the Arcade Fire live show, the video sees the composer let loose in an empty field to cut some serious shapes in a suit and New Balance trainers.
The Lowdown: Policy is released on 16th March 2015 and Butler will embark on his first solo tour the following month. He plays the Art School in Glasgow on 20th April.
