I can’t state enough just how much of a blast Bilmuri’s record AMERICAN MOTOR SPORTS is.
Songs such as EMPTYHANDED and SPINNIN’ YOU AROUND are massive summer tunes that go perfectly with a hot sunny day and your friends to sing along to.
SPINNIN’ YOU AROUND is kind of the perfect blend of what this record is about; having these massive pop country hooks in the verse/chorus, and concluding the song with not only a guitar solo, but a massive breakdown as well.
If you’re familiar with Franck’s work, you also know that he has his emotional side as well. With songs such as MISS ME, which is a devastating story of heartbreak and longing someone you don’t have anymore. A stripped back moment on the record as Franck sings the lyrics “Cause I’m going home alone tonight not knowing if I’ll see those eyes again”. It’s a beautiful but impactful moment here on the tracklist.
Latest single 2016 CAVELIERS (Ohio) is one of my personal highlights on the record. The theme of this one is accepting that a relationship has run its course, that you both know it’s time to let go. Knox is featured on this one and his verse is a stellar performance here as he sings over a beautiful clean guitar lick “Let’s keep it one hundred percent it just ain’t the right time. Once we were perfect, but look how time flies”. I could talk about this song all day; it’s an absolutely beautiful piece of work and I think one of Franck’s best songs to date.
To close to record we’re bringing back the more emotional cuts like STRAIGHT THROUGH YOU, which is a really cool moment on the record. Sonically, it has this very uplifting and positive vibe to the instrumental. You have a soft piano melody being played in a major key while Franck sings “Why do I feel? Maybe I need help to tell me what’s real, I’m scared of losing myself”.
Then we have DRUNK ENOUGH to finish it off, which is melancholic tune covering the theme of alcoholism. This sees Franck stripping it back and getting vulnerable once again, with the main lyric being “cause I’m passed out before I’m drunk enough, keep my head under the water til’ I’m feelin’ numb”. It’s definitely another one of my personal favourites on the record and really shows how much range Franck has with his music.
AMERICAN MOTOR SPORTS is without a doubt Bilmuri’s best project to date. It’s focused, tight and clear in its theme. There’s something here for everybody, whether you want the soundtrack to your cottage weekend with the friends or need a companion for those more emotional days. This record really does cover all of the bases.
I’m going to sound like a broken record, but this is THE album of the summer and definitely going to be a standout for the year. If you aren’t familiar with Bilmuri yet, I promise you; you will be by the end of 2024.
10/10
AMERICAN MOTOR SPORTS is available everywhere now